Newsletter - Guildford County School

Newsletter
April 2015
On Monday 23rd of March,
we hosted our ‘Festival of
Stars’ concert; an
opportunity for the majority
of our choirs and ensembles
to perform and share their
collective talent.
As we were having our final
rehearsals, it struck me that
this event truly summed up
all that being at Guildford
County represents and just
how central music is to all
that we do, both in an
obvious and also, perhaps,
more subtle way.
Education is an empowering
process that allows and
guides students to develop
their passions, thinking
skills, awareness and
compassion.
We recognise and strive to
prepare students for the
demands and
unpredictability of life
beyond school: perhaps the
search for a solution in a
group context; the
opportunity to be involved
whilst having to consider
others; the ability to work
within a team; the
importance of being reliable;
the chance of striving
together for a common goal;
the secure outlet for
emotions; the need to be
aware of others; and most
A Festival of Stars
importantly, the feeling of
belonging.
All students have talent, all
are creative and all are
willing to take a chance. We
recognise that if you are not
prepared to be wrong or
make mistakes, you cannot
be original or find different
ways, routes or
perspectives.
As Dr. Ken Robinson says,
‘We don’t grow into
creativity, it is already there.
We have to be careful not to
educate students out of it’
As a school, we encourage
students to persevere, to
pick themselves up if they
fall, and to recognize and
celebrate effort, however big
or small. Nurturing control,
skills, patience and the
principles to study, equips
them with a reliable set of
tools.
Each and every one of the
students who took part in
our concert demonstrated
this and truly shone. It never
ceases to amaze, just how
much our students manage
to pack into their busy
school days; their
commitment and energy to
attend rehearsals is
testimony to their
willingness to share this
musical vision and maintain
high standards.
Benjamin Franklin said, ‘Tell
me and I forget. Teach me
and I remember. Involve me
and I learn.’
It is exactly this involvement
that is so wonderful. It is not
only that of our musicians
either, but also that of our
staff and students who have
designed props, created
lighting effects, delivered
sound, or helped man
backstage and front of
house.
Finally, a special mention
must go to the Upper Sixth,
for whom this was their last
concert. Their talent, energy
and enthusiasm has
spanned seven years and it
has been a privilege to
watch, share and nurture
their musical growth. We
wish them well as they focus
on their summer exams each one a true star.
Caroline Gale
Director Of Music
Spotlight on …….
My Head of Transition role is about to begin again for 2015 / 2016 and it is my responsibility to ensure that the next step in the
educational journey of the incoming Year 6 students, is as smooth as possible. My Summer Term school visits then, are a
crucial part of building positive relationships with the pupils and making them feel at ease. They need to know that we’re going
to work together to ensure that they are fully prepared for their transition. Their excitement is contagious and it gives me a real
buzz, thinking of the opportunities that they have ahead of them. It is our job to identify their needs and support them in the
best way that we can. I thoroughly enjoy every visit and I make sure that I have spoken to every individual student and found
out something about them. My challenge is to remember who they are, weeks later, and have a unique fact about them to help
achieve this. I do my best to learn all 160 names as soon as I can, as I feel this personal touch is essential.
It is clear that some pupils are ready for the transition, whilst others are more anxious at the thought of not having the same
teacher, at having to change classrooms every lesson and having to remember to have all of their books. For some, change
can be a worry.
This is where our new ‘Mentoring Scheme’ is going to help ease some of these concerns. Yr10 students are going to be given
the opportunity to become ‘Peer Mentors’ and have five Yr7 students from their House to support in school. They will be like
‘buddies’, available to meet and catch up with, ask advice from and most importantly, be there to listen. We feel this will also
be a great opportunity for Yr 10’s. Currently, the scheme is being introduced and Yr10
will be completing their applications during the Easter holidays. Students will be
interviewed and appointed by May half term and they will have some mentoring
training. The mentors will then be heavily involved with the Induction Day, leading
‘getting to know you’ sessions and helping the students to settle into our routines.
Each week, mentors will visit tutorial sessions, do paired reading, discuss current
affairs and have one to one chats. There is also scope for the mentors to set up their
own lunchtime clubs to support students even further.
The way our students support and help each other is already a real strength at
County. With our strong House system, students are given vast opportunities to work
together across the year groups, to gain success and achieve great things. Our Yr10
students will now be able to show the younger ones that they are developing into responsible adults and that they are no
longer children. This is the pathway that we endeavour every student to take during their time here at County.
Olivia Kirby Head of Lancaster and Transition
March was particularly exciting
for the Government & Politics
Department and its twenty
three Yr12 students, as they
planned for the GCS Elections.
All pupils from years 7 to 11
took part in our version of the
UK General Election with the
five major parties lead and
organised by the Yr12 students.
Would you vote for any of these candidates? …...
Just as in actual General
Elections, our pupils had to make their decision based on policies, appearance and the charisma of the parties. Their first
opportunity came in two assemblies, where they were introduced to the concept of voting - just what they will experience
when they too come to vote in the future. Each party then delivered a 3 minute speech on why they should be voted for, with
their representative outlining some of their key policy areas. The Conservatives, led by Tom Rew, focused on their successes
over the past 5 years, whilst the Lib Dems, led by Tia Acheampong, were quick to distance themselves and focus on the
changes to tuition fees. Labour, led by Tilly Early, saw education policy as a great way to gain voters. The two smaller parties
had a different challenge, with The Green Party speech delivered with passion by leader Will Lawson.
UKIP focussed less on policies and more on dressing smartly and having eye-catching photos; such as
leader, Vijay Thayaparan, shaking Obama’s hand (subtly photo shopped of course). Pupils then had a
week of ‘build up’ to the voting on the 25th/26th March, with some visits to tutor groups to clinch those
crucial crosses on the ballot papers. Early opinion polls showed a wide range of support, with the Greens
looking particularly strong. As the results came in though, it became apparent that the aesthetic appeal of
UKIP had won over the public. However, taking only 29.24% of the votes and with The Greens just behind
with 22.72%, there was no overall majority. The result …….. a ‘Hung Parliament’
Student Corner ...
GCS Elections ..
Lancaster House
Students arrive at County as ‘children’ and leave as ‘adults’.
For the Politics Department and the Yr12 students, the whole experience was absolutely outstanding and
it served as a fantastic and engaging way to bring politics and citizenship into school.
Mr Comben Head of Government & Politics
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Girls
Junior
Inter
Senior
Football
S
Y
L
Netball
WS
Y
H
Boys
Junior
Inter
Senior
Football
W
H
T
Rugby
W
W
S
Champion House
The Harrop Prophecy …..
The 2015 House Chess tournament was characterised by
impeccable sportsmanship from players and spectators
alike and once again the fans were treated to some
marvellous matches.
6th Form/Staff
Champion
Mr Houghton
(H)
2nd
Dr Winder
(W)
3rd
Mr Ollie Daniels
(Y)
4th
Robert King
(T)
Seniors
Not decided yet.. last 4 are
Semi 1 Nick Brown (H) vs Dom Sturgis (T)
Semi 2 Lucas Joel (Y) vs Ethan Prime (W)
Juniors
Champion
Kieran Balchin
(H)
2nd
Ingyu Yoe
(Y)
3rd
Harry Taylor
(S)
4th
Anabelle Paton
(H)
Chess House Points
1.
Hanover
2.
York
3.
Windsor
House Chess
Rob King Yr12, battles it out
with Jess Taylor (Maths)
1-1 so far
1-1 so far
Winter House Sports Results
April 2014-2015?
The Race for Champion House is Over!
Champions ..
All players
benefitted greatly
from the generous
donation of new
boards, pieces
and clocks from
the Friends of
GCS. This
enhanced the
experience for the
players and
spectators and
breathed new life
into chess at
Guildford County.
So, who crossed the line first? Who wins the race for Champion House 2014 - 2015?
1st York..2nd Tudor..3rd Hanover
Page 3
York
Tudor
Stuart
We both had minor roles in the 2008 York House Drama production. Fast forward seven years and we have now
experienced the whole spectrum of House events as House Captains! This year, as leaders of York we have been
so grateful for the whole experience. From singing 'Blame It On The Boogie' in Year 7 to leading York to victory when
our year helped with House Drama in the Lower Sixth, we have enjoyed it all. Although it has been stressful at times,
we couldn't have been happier to be a part of such a great House! We would like to thank all the continuing
involvement from our other York Sixth Formers, our Heads of York, Mr Briggs and Mr Comben (as well as the
nostalgic Mrs Baker) and, most importantly, every student in York for your enthusiasm! Jojo and Josh
The Spring Term was an interesting one for Tudor House, starting off with House Basketball. With outstanding effort
throughout the house, matched with great levels of energy, Tudor House showed that we really do “play hard, but
work harder” We then enjoyed the well loved House Public Speaking, House Winter Sports and House Chess.
Hopefully those who participated had just as much fun as we did watching, and are looking forward to the
competitions next year! Being House Captains for this year has been a lot of fun, and Ellie and I have immensely
enjoyed getting to know our house, and especially leading us to many wins. Thank you all for your hard work this
year! Tudorians Unite. Jessie and Ellie
It has been a total pleasure for both me and Kate to lead Stuart house over the past year. With victories in House
Basketball and House Music, and with great achievements in events like House Sports and Public Speaking, we’ve
achieved a huge amount. Members of Stuart should be100% proud of all that they’ve achieved.
Stuart is, as a house, a fun and friendly place to be. Not once, as a House Captain, have I had to scold a child for
being cruel to another! During house events, students of all year groups find time, not just to talk to those they’re
familiar with, but those of different year groups as well. The celebratory atmosphere experienced will, I am certain,
stay with all members, even after they leave County. Good job Stuart House—you've been fab! Kate and Reuben
House Captains
so, its goodbye from me and its goodbye from him
Hanover
Alas, a sad moment has fallen upon us; we have to
say goodbye to our time as House Captains. This
year has been challenging, but we have learnt many
lessons (especially Ed). The highlight for both of us
was House Music at the start of the year where, in
the face of our lack of musical talent, we came out on
top. Despite the athletic prowess of the leadership,
sport has not proven to be our forte this year.
However, our general can-do attitude definitely made
up for this. Overall, we’ve had a blast and will miss
you all. Lots of love, Ed and Josh xxxx
Windsor
As Chloe and I come to the end of our year as
Windsor House and Deputy House Captains, we can
look back with pleasure on a year packed full of
House activities. Pleasure? …. because we’ve
shared the highs and lows of House events whilst
building relationships with students across all year
groups. We can now reflect on everything we have
gained from the House system. We have had to use
all our skills of persuasion (bribery), organisation
(blind luck) and leadership (intimidation) and have
learnt to win and lose gracefully. We wouldn’t have
missed it for the world. Sam and Chloe
Lancaster
Amber and I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment
in Lancaster. Being able to organise House events in
the Sixth Form has been one of the most rewarding
experiences of Key Stage Five. I have particularly
enjoyed working with the lower years as it has given
us a connection with students across the school and
my favourite thing has been seeing the commitment
from everyone involved in all years. Our biggest
thanks go to everyone who has helped in House
activities, whether successful or not, and we now
offer the best of luck to Lancaster House and our
successors in 2015 / 2016! George and Amber
Page 4
Charity
Week .. £4291 and rising!
For us, the senior team, this school term could be epitomized by one event, Charity Week.
We have long been searching for methods to get the cash rolling in, to smash last year’s
target, without any of us having to contemplate shaving our heads!.
The week kicked off on Monday 9th March with a magical performance in the courtyard from
Callum McClure and House stalls run by our enthusiastic House Captains …. which House
could raise the most? Lancaster went for the traditional approach with a coconut shy, York
invented the school friendly party game ‘Cup Pong’ and Tudor Captains had wet sponges
thrown at them. Hanover ran a keepy-ups competition where many students actually came to
show off their football skills rather than to try to win Hanover’s tasty sweets! Stuart hosted a
Whack the Rat competition and Windsor created the novelty idea of a Challenge table,
where students challenged the captains to eat cat food, raw onion, chilli powder or do the
cinnamon challenge!
Competitiveness throughout the school intensified on Wednesday with the old rivals, 6 th
Form v teachers, in a very heated football match. There was a great turnout of spectators,
helped by an ice cream van catering for the event, and even though there were only 7
students to 10 teachers, plus a ‘referee’ - if that’s what Mr. Harrop called himself -the match
ended 1-1 with no time for penalties. Rumour has it that a re-match is currently being
arranged, but details are yet to be finalised.
Thursday break time brought music from the 6th Form jazz band, already famous from their
busking performances that rock Guildford High Street. This created a great atmosphere in
the courtyard for Krispy Kremes to be sold and for the return of Magician McClure. At lunch,
the lower sixth organized a teachers’ ‘Golden Globes’. Awards were fought over, Mr
Houghton dropped a series of cheesy jokes in his acceptance speech, and Mr Taylor proved
how OTT he could be as he stormed out,
having come runner up in the ‘Biggest Drama
Queen’ award.
Friday saw the whole school turn up
as if they’d walked off a movie set,
responding to the mufti theme. At
break time, lower school students
were handed the mic for their
turn to busk and there were
impressive acoustic
performances from Bethan
Draycott, Meg Ginsberg
and Lucy Spouncer,
Emily Williams and,
brother and sister
duo, Amber and
Charlie Payne.The
week’s finale was a
teacher ‘Strictly
Come County’, with
popcorn and cookie
snacks for the spectators.
Mrs Budd and Mr Beasley
set the standard with a
breakdancing feature,
followed by Mrs Gibbs and Mr
Daniels busting some moves to
‘Uptown Funk’. Mrs Kirby cartwheeled
around the floor as part of her
dance with Mr Daniels and Mr Smith took
to the floor with Miss Taylor. Mrs
Sullivan and Mr Comben went old school,
with an award winning number from
‘Grease’. Finally Miss Cole and Mr Ayres finished on a tango with a twist, namely the Haka.
The commentator was Mr ‘Brucie’ Bramwells and “severrrrn”s were awarded by the judging
panel, including Mr Mayhew.
But even this wasn’t the end of Charity Week ….. for an exclusively brave group of 6th
Formers and teachers got up at 8am on the final Saturday, for the Brutal 10K run. The
sleepy and grudging atmosphere in the minibus beforehand was a stark contrast to the
happiness afterwards (a mixture of endorphins and relief) …and so it should’ve been … as
the event involved climbing multiple hills that reduced some participants to their hands and
knees, and wading through numerous parts of the canal. Well done to all the participants,
but especially to Dr Winder who won 1st place in his category with a time of 43:03. Also to
Rory Cornelius who came 22nd out of all the men with a time of 50:43. Thank you to
everyone who donated – and still not too late at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/
teamcountybrutalrun. This single event has already raised over £650, which is going to
Amnesty International.
Page 5
A Festival
of Stars ……….
The ‘Festival of Stars’
Gala was a true
celebration of all that is
musical in GCS. All 9
choirs and 8 ensembles
shone brightly and sent
the audience home with
added spring in their step.
The combined Girls Choirs performed the
winning entry from the ‘Send My Friend to
School’ Campaign Song Competition and
helped raise more than £300 for the
charity. Well done to the winning song
writers Amy Heaphy and Mia
Sugunasingha. Their song will be
recorded next term and featured on the
Charity’s Website.
Lower School
students prepare
for a feature
concert given by
the London
Philharmonic
Orchestra.
GCS Barbershop inspired at the
Guildford Primary Music Festival
Well done to Aidan Goodwin, Emily Heaphy, Ella Schneider,
Amber Payne, Naomi Harrington and Rebekah Harrington.
notes
The adjudicator, commented, ‘What splendid sounds! You
really make some rich and well-shaped tones, and so in tune!
Top Stuff!'
Musical
The Senior Double Reed Ensemble won their class with
honours, in the Godalming Music Festival, before going on to
clinch and retain the Ensemble Rose Bowl. The standard of
competition was high, but their impressive win followed an
amazing rendition of the ‘Oliver’ suite.
Page 6
School Report Day
On News Day, amidst the clamour of daily County life, a select group of
elite Year 9 reporters worked furiously to find, write, edit and publish
their reports by the 2pm deadline. This intrepid group of young reporters,
backed by their support team of Mrs Gibbs, Kate Riley, and Sixth
Formers Rob King and Alistair McShee, stormed the library with one
intention; make some news
As well as reports on the disruption caused by the new Waitrose build
and debate on changes to GCSEs, there was also coverage of the
impact of terrorism on our lives, the growing popularity of youtube over
TV and the results of a fascinating survey into the ‘news reading’ and
‘viewing’ habits of our students, parents and teachers.
Mock Court Competition
BBC
A group of Year 9 students competed in the
Surrey Heats of the Mock Court Competition.
The students competed in two rounds, against
Millais School and Glyn School. The standard
of competition was
extremely high but all the
students did a fantastic
job. The overall results
were very tight and we
finished in a very
respectable Third Place,
leaving with a trophy for
the highest ranked
Surrey School.
Two reporters, Hannah Koci and Zoe Milner, also had the opportunity to
visit Broadcasting House to take part in a film on the new BBC News
App, where they impressed everyone with their enthusiasm and
professionalism.
A Y9 Science team recently went to Reading University
for the final of the Science Challenge Quiz.
8 teams had reached the finals from around 40 schools in
Surrey & Berkshire and, after the first three (tough)
rounds, our team went through to the semi-final.
Competition was fierce this year and it was impossible to
tell how each team was doing. When the results of the
semi-finals were announced, we found out we`d drawn for
top score with Oxted School.
We then settled in for a nerve-racking final. Confusion
reigned as the questions ran out and the quiz-masters had
to resort to using questions which had already been asked
(!!) This meant the competition became about buzzer
speed rather than knowledge, but it was a closely fought
contest which resulted in us just missing out on the title by
one question.
The team were fantastic and showed outstanding
knowledge in many areas. Congratulations are due to Ellie
de Lusignan, Mishka Hollander, Bo Beynon & Matt Doran.
They were absolute stars !
Congratulations to Joshua Smith,
Hora Behnejad, Isabella Foreman,
Josie Smith, Bethany Gerstenberger,
Emily Wolfenden and Tilly Cray; the
winners of the library’s World Book
Day Quiz!These Yr7 & 8 students
correctly guessed fifteen books from
the initials of their titles and got to
choose a new book as their prize.
Six Yr12 students attended an
Oxford University day for
talented mathematicians called
“Further Maths – What Next?”
The idea was to give students an insight
into the university and also to help them
choose what degree course may be most
suitable for them. They attended talks,
choosing four subjects from a list that
included Engineering, Economics, Physics,
Computer Science, Philosophy, Earth
Sciences and Biochemisty. They were also
given a tour of Keble and Exeter Colleges
and got the chance to chat with lecturers
and some current students.
All of the students seemed inspired to
consider applying to join the dark blues next
year.
Further Maths What Next?
Science Stars!
Well done to everyone involved in BBC School Report 2015 – it’s the
project’s 10th birthday next year, so we’re looking forward to some more
Page 7
The following pupils have successfully passed their Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award this year (March 2014 to March 2015). They
collected their certificates at the Annual Awards Presentation
evening at Guildford Cathedral on Monday 9 th March. This is our
most successful year to date at the school in terms of numbers
of students passing their Bronze Award (54). Well done!
Jacob Malamatenios
Alexander Mansfield
Toby Marsh
Ollie Michell
Elspeth Milan
Francesca Milroy
Sam Newcombe
Harley Nowak
Caroline Parker
Calum Parsons
Joe Perryer
Anna Preece
Tilly Richards
Joseph Sambrook
Rhiannon Scanlon
Megan Shaw
Ella Singleton
Kristin Smith
Aiden Taylor
Joe Taylor
Tom Taylor
Oscar Thomas
Rebecca Unwin
Eleanor Whittaker
Melissa Young
who achieved an amazing second place in
Young Magician of the Year 2015
Solo by Praise
Year 7 enjoyed a fabulous and varied
morning of poems, performed by all
but a few of the students in large
groups, small groups, pairs and solos.
Fantastically, out of 45 poems
performed, no two were repeated and
the mixture of upbeat, with poignant,
with funny, with sad was inspiring from
such young people.
In the adjudication break, while Mrs
Emberson and Mr Smith pondered
over their difficult task, there was a
high-paced tongue twister competition.
The fast talking winners, Charlie from
Miss Thorne’s class and Sophie, from
Mrs Gibbs’ class, are clearly not to be
messed with in conversation battles!
There were also winners representing
most of the English classes, with a
triumphant whole class success from
7L, entering their original class-written
poem.
It was a fantastic opportunity for Year
7 to showcase their performance
poetry skills and for many to share
their original penned work. Well done,
Poetry …...
Silver Award
Matthew Ambrose
Shakti Khetia
Master of Magic … Callum McClure
Performance
Bronze Award
Sophie Balchin
Harry Barham
Ewan Barton
Elizabeth Baumberg
Rhys Bickmore
Alistair Blake
Nicholas Brown
Jack Butler
Bethany Civil
Hannah Coles
Megan Coppinger
Rachel Dauncey
Jess Downing
Ailbe Elder Blackham
Harry Fennell
Isabel Flynn
Lily Goss
Joanna Grafton
Edward Hammersley
Naomi Harrington
Sophie Hodgetts
Theo Horton
Sam Humphreys
Tegan Insoll
Lucas Joel
Owen Kennedy
Malika Khetia
Mark Kiley
Willem Koetje
Bilbao Guggenheim Museum
Silver Dof E Award for
Matt and Shakti.
Bronze Award Winners
We were kindly invited to a talk at Guildford Evening Decorative and Fine Arts Society. Being told initially that the speaker’s specialism was C14th art;
created a general feeling of confusion in the room as we’d come for a talk on C20 th architecture! However, she then explained the correlation
between architecture and the great masters. The speaker spoke about buildings being inspired by experiences and outside influences including
artists. Frank Gehry, the architect in question, was inspired by the shape and movement of fish. This is evident in his Bilbao Guggenheim Museum
design where he used titanium panels to create a shimmering effect, mimicking his childhood memories of his Grandma putting a fish in the bath to
keep it fresh.
Dan Green, Fransisco Frankenberg-Garcia Yr12
Page 8
Lucky for some …
Student
Council Update
Overall this year the School Council has had some
brilliant ideas, some of which we have already managed to
put into action. With thanks to the input of students
throughout tutorial time, both water fountains and toilets
have been fixed and more mirrors put up for both boys and
girls. The School Council is vital in maintaining a steady
flow of communication within the school, allowing the
Senior Team a gateway to put forward student thoughts
and opinions to the Mr Mayhew and The Leadership Team.
Thank you to all the Student Council representatives; your
job is one that is often not given the credit that it deserves,
and we are incredibly grateful for the time that you have
given up this year.
Round Up …….
The Y9&10 Girls and Boys handball teams both won the
County Finals this evening at the Surrey Sports Park! They won
all their games and have progressed through to the Regional
Finals in Swindon in May.
Congratulations to:
Boys; Louis, Mike, Hugh, Kiam, Keone, Jude, Cameron & Sam
Girls: Sammy, Sofia, Katie, Olivia, Lexi and Zoe!
Dates for Diary:
23rd
29th
8th
19th
22nd
April
April
May
May
May
KS3 Concert
A Level Spanish Film Trip to Reading University
Yr11 Leavers Day & Prom
Instrumental Teachers Concert
Sixth Form Study Leave
When Jordan Green attended his
first England training session, at the
end of it he was invited to join the
national squad! They now head for
the European Championships in
Andria, Italy, from April 27 to May 3.
Taekwon-Do for England ..
Sports
Awash with ideas!
On Friday 13 March, the GCS Friends team held
a fantastic alternative ‘Bingo and Fish & Chips’
night in our Main Hall, featuring well-known bingo
caller Jes Moon. Over 100 people enjoyed an
evening of competitive, but fun, bingo, winning a
variety of desirable prizes from huge chocolate
bars to ‘mankini’s to a signed photograph of Mr
Mayhew himself! Thank you to everyone who supported this smashing
Friends’ event - by attending, volunteering their time on the night or
helping to organise it. Many thanks to Gascoigne Pees for their
additional contribution. Together, your support helped to raise an
impressive £547.50, to fund equipment to benefit our students. Bingo!
Follow us @CountyPeDept
For full details of fixtures and results,
please log onto the school website
http://www.guildfordcounty.co.uk/99/sportsfixtures
Page 9