5 - TES

R eally S ensational RS Factor!
Crowds flocked to our first RS Factor Final, braving atrocious
weather conditions in their eagerness to witness the intense
competition between the seven solo and five group finalists.
The buzz that had been palpable through school since the semifinals rose to a crescendo of excitement as the audience took their
seats in the packed hall, exacerbating the nerves of those about to
perform.
RS Factor judges; Miss Spencer a.k.a.
Sharon Osbourne, Miss Stirling a.k.a.
Cheryl Cole and Mr Armstrong Harris
a.k.a. Simon Cowell amused the
audience with their often cryptic
judgements,
the
bluntness
of
„Cowell‟ being foiled by smoother
words from „Cole‟ and „Osbourne‟.
The quality of the acts surpassed those of the semi-final, with more
polished performances all round. Many acts had put a great deal of thought
into their costumes and dance routines, adding extra dimensions to their
performances.
The judges didn‟t have the final say, however, as
each and every member of the audience played
their part in deciding the final placings by voting for
their winning solo and group acts. This kept the
tension going right up to the end, rewarding Maybe;
Laser Vision and Flossie Hunt as section winners.
Knowing that their success was judged by their
peers as well as the „judges‟ made victory even
sweeter! Matt Schouten found himself the only male
solo vocalist up against talented performances from
Becky Wilson, Lauren Jordan, Poppy Jackson,
Deanna Walker, Florrie Campbell, Kate Amy and
winning soloist, Flossie Hunt. Duos; G Two, Casey &
Fallon and The Noel Coward Tribute Band battled in
the same class as bands; The Alfies and section
winner Maybe; Laser Vision.
Huge thanks are due to Mrs Yeadon & Miss Moyler,
our judges and sponsors.
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
Inside this Edition
Y7 Poetry
Praise from SSAT
Twelfth Night
War Horse
GCSE Poetry Live!
Work Experience
In Memoriam
Duke of Edinburgh
Maths Challenge
Chennai Boxes
TV Stars
New Teachers
Forensics Week
Jazz at Festival
Y7 Shakespeare
Miller Drama trip
Annie!
World Book Day
Language Revision
Mayen „09
Holocaust Memorial
Winter Sports „09
Gym & Dance „09
Sports Coordinator
Sports Ambassadors
Girls‟ Cricket
Y9 Rugby
Netball Roundup
Basketball
Girls‟ Football
JSLA Update
Comic Relief
1
P3
P4
P5
P5
P6
P7
P8
P8
P9
P9
P10
P10
P11
P12
P12
P12
P13
P13
P14
P17
P18
P19
P20
P21-22
P22
P22
P23
P25
P26
P22-27
P27
P28
Dates for your diary
02 Apr Last day of Term 1pm
07-09 April Berlin Trip
20 Apr First Day of Summer Term
25-26 April D of E Bronze W/E
28-30 Apr GCSE French Speaking
Exam
30 Apr Junior Maths Challenge
2-4 May D of E Silver W/E
12 May–22Jun written GCSE Exams
25-29 May Half-Term
25-31 May Jazz Band Austria Tour
PAGE 1 OF 28
Keep Collecting Please…
Thank you for supporting the school by collecting vouchers from companies supporting schools.
Schemes such as these have enabled the school to „purchase‟ a wide range of additional books,
sporting equipment and computers in the past – broadening the educational experience for all our
pupils. The graphics on this page represent a number of the schemes running at present:
… and help Rodborough online too!
www.buy.at/Rodborough
Remember to use the buy.at webshop so that the School can earn
commission on your online shopping. So far, we‟ve earned £54
commission from your shopping. All you have to do is access the
shop's website through www.buy.at/Rodborough (add this to your
bookmarks). Simply click on the company that you wish to shop
with and you will automatically be redirected to their website.
The company will then pay the School a commission fee, e.g.
Play.com will make a contribution of 2%.
It won’t cost you a single penny more.
Over 150 companies are listed with Buy.at including: Amazon,
B&Q, BangCD, BBC Shop, BT, Butlins, CDWow, Country Holidays,
Dreams , ELC, Eurocamp, Expedia, Game, HMV.com, Lovefilm,
Marks and Spencers, Next, Play.com, Sky digital, Snapfish,
Thorntons, Ticketmaster, Waterstones and many others.
There are also catalogue companies (such as Kays), insurance
companies (e.g. Zurich and Prudential) and mobile phone
providers (e.g. Carphone Warehouse, Nokia and T-Mobile) and
many more.
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 2 OF 28
Year 7 Poetry Competition
(You can find more brilliant poems on the Y7 English area of the website)
To where the wind had swept by Oliver Hoade
Through the woods the wind had swept
And through the darkness she had crept
Alone for centuries she had stood
Like a statue guarding that empty wood
She lay there on that stone alone
Her usual face now white as bone
Then one day a century later
She got up in search of someone who'd cater
For days and days she searched that wood
Knowing that she finally could
Find a place she could call home
And not just stand there all alone
Suddenly she'd found what she'd been looking for
A great big wooden rusty door
She knocked on the door with her small white hand
The door creaked open to a metal land
They said she was the one
The one who'd bring back the sun
She got thrust about the village that night
People saying she'd bring back the light
All the next night she lay there awake
Wondering what may be at stake
Maybe she'd have a beast to slay
She'd find all out that very next day
A black cloak she'd wrapped herself in
And a coat of armour made out of tin
She trudged to war that day
Heading to where the mountains lay
To where the wind had swept
To where the wind had swept
To there now she crept
Hope by Caleb Rowan
Hope fades as the day wanes,
and the shadows deepen.
Who now do I turn to
As my resolve weakens?
The path is veiled from my eyes,
and the course not clear.
I still move blindly forward,
hoping the end to be near.
And yet I feel within me
there will be light ahead.
I have now hardened my resolve,
and all despair has fled.
For dreams of moonlight do hearken,
And I sang and my voice rose high
And I no longer wish to ever die,
But to see the flower bloom
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
The forest by Megan Hurley
The forest was silent, silent like water,
Never sound for my ear to hear,
The forest was silent, silent like fear,
The air as cold as hardened mortar,
The forest was silent, silent like mussels,
The stream gurgled, swallowing stones,
The forest was silent, silent like the moon,
I feel the wind on my skin, how it moans
The forest was silent, silent like water
Spring Will Never Last...by Emily Canton
The tranquil landscape withered
Its mysterious beauty ignored
The spindly saplings shivered
As the sunlight poured
The distraught icicles wept
The solemn sun glared with scorn
After all the time he'd slept
The memory had worn
Spring time has come
Winter has passed
Although the bees will hum
Good things never last
Angry Seas by Olivia Coleman
Inside the cabin
Cocoa in hand
Listening to the music played
by the band
Outside the wind howls
Foul voice through the storm
And in the air rain is born
Tiny daggers rip the air
Trying to penetrate window and door
Meanwhile waves beat the shore
Riders on white horses rear up before us
Foaming mouths
High as the clouds
Foamy water beats the side
Rolling us backward and forward
Whilst in the sky black ink stains twist and curl
towards us
Forks of lightning grope towards us
Spearing the sky
Coming down from so high
We roll into the harbour
Safe and sound
Welcomed by the warm golden glow of the town
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 3 OF 28
Celebration Recognisises the Most Improved Schools
press release from SSAT
Specialist schools and academies that have significantly improved their GCSE results have been
recognised by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust at a celebration dinner in London.
Rodborough Technology College has been recognised with this accolade for the second year
running.
All 587 schools that met at least one of the criteria detailed below were invited to attend the
event, which was held at the Royal College of Physicians on Monday 23 February.
Thirty of these schools have also been recognised as the top most improved schools in a number of
categories such as specialism, academies, regions and year on year improvement. Sir Mike
Tomlinson, chief Advisor of London Challenge, was the guest speaker and joined Sir James Hill,
Chairman of the SSAT, in presenting the awards.
“If every young person is to receive
a world class education then we
must set world class standards that
“I would like to congratulate these specialist
challenge every school to improve
schools and academies for their continued
year on year.”
success in raising GCSE results. Their efforts
and achievements will mean more young
Elizabeth Reid, Chief Executive of
people will have received good qualifications
SSAT
and had their opportunities widened.”
Elizabeth Reid, Chief Executive of SSAT
Corinne Nolte
Press Officer
Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT)
Rodborough has been recognised for the following improvements:
 10% point or more improvement from 2005 – 2008 in achieving 5+ A*-C GCSEs, with year on
year improvement
 10% point or more improvement from 2005 – 2008 in achieving 5+ A*-C GCSEs, with year on
year improvement including English and Maths
New System Proves Popular
Reporter Francesca Fotheringham
Anxious Year 11 students lined up in the main hall, waiting to be
given an envelope containing their results.
Previously, the results of the GSCE Mocks had been given to
students by their teachers in lessons. This year, however, students
were presented with them in the same way that they will receive
the real results in August.
Mock GCSE Results
Many preferred this system as it allowed them gain an immediate
full picture of their achievements.
Overall, despite being somewhat nerve-racking, the change in the reporting of the mock exam results
seemed to be popular and is likely to be repeated next year.
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 4 OF 28
Twelfth Night
Reporter Matt Smith
Drama students from Years 10 & 11 travelled up to London‟s
West End for a performance of Shakespeare‟s Twelfth Night.
Set during the 16th Century on the Mediterranean island of
Illyria, this Shakespearian comedy follows Viola a woman who,
typically of Shakespeare, dresses up as a man servant and has
many humorous encounters with the Duke Orsino. Lady Olivia
and Viola begin to fall in love with each other. The fact that
everyone believes her to be a man is a matter which only
complicates the interweaving love circles – adding to the
humour.
Derek Jacobi, who many might recognise from „Gladiator‟,
played a wonderfully pompous Malvolio, creating an enormous
presence on stage as the much hated head servant in Olivia‟s
household, producing laughs with every move.
Without prior knowledge of the play, the language was
sometimes difficult to understand and the plot difficult to
follow. However, we all found the production highly
entertaining and a great introduction to Shakespearian
comedies.
War Horse
photograph Wyndham Theatre
Reporter Rachel Eyles
Last year the National Theatre‟s
production „War Horse‟ was a
tremendous success, bringing
both soldiers and animals to life.
Could this year‟s re-staging
conjure the atmosphere and
command such praise this time
around?
Year 9 travelled to The National
for the performance which is
taken from the book of the same
title by Michael Morpurgo and
follows the story of Joey, a young
boy‟s beloved horse who is sold to
the cavalry and shipped to France
at the beginning of The Great
War.
Joey is soon caught up in enemy fire and taken on an extraordinary journey through the
battlefields. His adventures see him serving on both sides until he finds himself injured and
wandering in no-man‟s land. Owner, Albert Narracott, (Kit Harington) enlists at the age of 16,
setting off to France with the express purpose of finding Joey.
The production was brought alive by the creativity of the Handspring Puppet Company. The
puppets do not aim for perfect realism but with their captivating wooden framework, translucent
fabric skins and great mobility, they somehow capture the very essence of everything equine. The
play, however, is much more than a puppet show; the director‟s powerful adaptation of Michael
Morpurgo‟s novel wisely disposes of Joey‟s narrative voice from the book and expresses the story
through dialogue and emotional song among the human characters. It also expertly captures not
only the mysterious and extraordinary relationship that can exist between humans and animals but
also the dreadful terror of war which is told through the eyes of many relatable characters.
Images and key moments from this moving performance will stay with those who attended for a
long time.
Photograph National Theatre
Edited by Catriona Campbell
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 5 OF 28
GCSE Poetry Live!
Reporter Francesca Fotheringham
In February the Year 11 students had a once in a life
time opportunity to attend the 10th year of GCSE
Poetry Live! This successful event allows students to
experience the GCSE poets performing on stage.
The explanations and insights that the poets give
into their motivations and inspirations for their
poetry, together with background information about
political or social conditions at the time the poems
were written really helped us to put the poems into context. Highlights of the day included Simon
Armitage, whose dry sense of humour entertained the audience, Gillian Clarke, who encouraged
students to respond personally to the poems and popular John Agard, who performed a number of
his new poems in addition to an unforgettable performance of his signature poem „Half-Caste‟.
In addition to hearing six of Britain‟s most respected poets we were also treated to an appearance
from the Chief Examiner for English from the AQA exam board. He was able to offer guidance in
attaining the highest possible grades and reminded us all of the pitfalls, stumbled into by
thousands each year, of failing to answer the question and failing to plan.
The day boosted the confidence of many students who had previously found the study of
contemporary poetry challenging.
Images from
GCSE Poetry Live!
Offer extended into 2009
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 6 OF 28
Year 11 Work Experience

I worked with Guildford
Borough Council in the Parks
and Countryside department.
This involved going to
different areas of woodland
around Guildford with
Countryside Wardens. As the
work experience was in the
Winter season, the Wardens
were clearing areas including
coppicing and creating glades
because this cannot be done
in the summer when birds are
nesting in the trees. I helped
with this work, felling small
trees and clearing gorse. I
also helped the Warden based
in the Chantry Woods to
check on the six highland
cows which are kept to
manage the grassland. I found
my week really enjoyable and
I learned a great deal about
recognising different species
of trees and managing
different types of
woodland. SM

Reporter Callum Dziedzic
For my work experience I
worked at Sysco, an audio and
visual engineering company.
I have considered this as a
future career as it was a fun
experience and I could see
myself pursuing this type of job
in the future. OM
On the 9th of February 2009,
our Year 11‟s embarked on
their work experience gaining
valuable knowledge that would
help them in later life.
The praise goes to Mrs. Scholey
for organising and scheduling
the busy and insightful week.
Work experience follows work
shadowing undertaken in Year
10, although many chose a
different
profession
or
workplace. Most found that
they benefited greatly from the
experience as it gave them a
chance to see whether that
particular job was for them,
letting them test the water, so
to speak. More testimonials
appear in the Careers area of
the website.
My work experience at Fleetcroft Guitars was fun and
satisfying. I would recommend this placement to anyone
who is interested in guitar playing. A certain amount of
skill and competence in guitar and music is required for
a student to get anything out of this placement. GH

I spent the week working at
Stepping Stones Nursery, in
Milford, which teaches 2-5
year-olds the basic skills and
life lessons they need for
when they get older, from
learning manners to being
able to count from 1-10. I
discovered that planning
children’s activities takes
thought and consideration,
as they need to be
encouraged to be as adept in
one area as they are in
another. Working together in
a team is important and the
child’s interests must come
first in every action EH

I worked for the week at a
small local TV,
graphics and animation
company called Beaucroft.
I learnt to use various
pieces of equipment and
software involved in
creating films and TV
programmes. It was all
very enjoyable and I got a
great deal out of it
experience-wise. GP

I went to Gartrac Ltd, who
specialise in rally car
fabrication. By the end of
the week I could mig-weld
mild steel 20-16 gauge to a
reasonable standard. I can
also do a reasonable level of
basic metal work. I enjoyed
being in the working
environment and among
adults. DB
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
Throughout my time at Guildford
hairdressers, Harringtons, I
really enjoyed working with the
people and got to know them
well. I really enjoyed learning
the techniques of washing hair
and also being in a working
environment really helped me to
see what it would be like if I
went into full time work. FH

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
My work experience was
brilliant; I worked at
Warner
Brother's UK Gaming
Department. This involved
me travelling to London
every day. I was given
many jobs while I was
there and, overall, this
has helped me decide what
to do later on in life. JW
PAGE 7 OF 28
Memorial for Tom
Tom graduated with a 1st Class
Degree from Surrey University
An appeal by former pupil Vicky Grove
Following the sad news of the passing away of former Rodborough
pupil Tom Asdell, we would like to take this opportunity to pass
on our support and sympathy to his family and are pleased to
publish this appeal from his friend and fellow Rodborough pupil,
Vicky Grove:
As you may already be aware Thomas Asdell passed away in
January. In memory of the kind, unbelievably intelligent young
man who was an inspiration to us all I've decided to run the
London Marathon for both Help For Heroes and for Thomas's
chosen charity – The Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital
Charitable Fund.
Thomas, an ardent Dr Who fan, lived with muscular dystrophy all
of his life and for the last 10 years the Royal Brompton provided
him with essential equipment and support, both of which
increased his quality of life. Along with the love and support of
his family, this charity enabled Thomas to lead a somewhat
'normal' life despite his condition and allowed him to achieve so
much in, unfortunately, so little time.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It‟s
also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Royal Brompton &
Harefield Hospital Charitable Fund gets your money faster and, if
you‟re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus
a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
You
can
donate
online
at
my
fundraising
page
http://www.justgiving.com/inmemoryoftom
Thank you
Celebrating Duke of Edinburgh Success
Reporter Mrs L Yeadon
Successful Duke of Edinburgh
students
attended
a
celebration
evening
at
Charterhouse
recently
and
were
presented
with
certificates to mark their
achievements.
Rodborough pupils formed the
largest cohort of graduates,
once again, with 76 students
completing their award during
the 2008-2009 season. 21 of
these were at Silver level and
55 at Bronze.
Enthusiasm for the award is as high as
ever with 88 students currently signed
up to work on their Bronze award and
around 20 moving on to Silver award
during the 2008/2010 season!
All Year 9 pupils have already spent a
day learning vital First Aid Skills. Good
Luck to you all, and many thanks to
my regular D of E team; Mrs Bullen,
Miss Moyler and Mr Edwards and to the small army of staff who find time to walk, checkpoint and
camp for the many expeditions through the year.
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 8 OF 28
Rodborough Sails through Maths Challenge
Reporter Jason Bowen
Rodborough has, yet again, put its strongest Maths students
through a test paper provided by the UK Mathematics Trust
(UKMT). Established in 1996, the UKMT is a registered charity, its
aim being to support and advance children‟s and young people‟s
skills and abilities in Mathematics. The UKMT sends out national
test papers for 11-18 year-old UK students. Last year, over
600,000 pupils from over 4,000 schools took part in the
challenges set by the UKMT. This year was no less fruitful.
Rodborough put 90 of its pupils through the 25-question paper. The questions ranged in difficulty,
10 out of the 25 with penalties for wrong answers! Average scores were 52% for Year 11, 50% for
Year 10 and 37% for Year 9. There were several prizes for the high achievers in the test. Some even
led onto other challenges, some of which are international.
There are three main certificates awarded to participates, bronze, silver and gold. Rodborough
managed to reap 29, 17 and 8 respectively. Overall, the highest scoring pupil was Nicole in Year 10
who scored an amazing 86 points. Three skilled mathematicians; Olivia Nunn, Andrew Cameron and
Nicole Browning even managed to get onto the next stage, the strangely named Grey/Pink
Kangaroo – an hour long, multiple-choice paper originating from Paris. Good luck to the three of
you in the next round.
The medal boundaries and qualifying marks for the UKMT are as follows:
Bronze/Silver/Gold 39/51/66
Kangaroo Yr 9
66
Kangaroo Yrs 10/11
77
Olympiad Yr 9
83
Olympiad Yr 10
90
Olympiad Yr 11
99
Year 8 Shoebox Chennai Challenge
Reporter Jake Jagger
For the past couple of weeks our form, 8FS, has been collecting gifts to send to the boys in
Chennai, India for the charity Chennai Challenge. After watching the Senior Six‟s assembly about
these boys in the run up to Christmas, we thought about how they probably wouldn‟t receive any
presents because either their family had died or were too poor to afford gifts.
We decided that we would dedicate
our assembly to this and convince the
rest of Year 8 to help so that people
in need could have a better life. We
didn‟t have to spend much money as
one of the presents that the boys
most wanted were toothbrushes and
toothpaste.
We were really pleased when every
Year 8 form filled at least one
shoebox each.
Well done Year 8!
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 9 OF 28
Rodborough welcomes two new Maths Teachers
Reporter Jason Bowen
Arriving in the middle of a school year is quite a challenge for a couple of teachers who have to get
accustomed rather quickly to the school and all the students. Both teachers, who arrived on 5 th
January, are now settling into their new posts. Neither was new to the game of teaching and both
were eager to get started. I interviewed them both and they seemed quite pleased with their new
jobs.
Mrs C. Dockar comes from London and has seven years of teaching under her belt. She has
travelled far and wide to use her teaching skills from North Yorkshire to France. She has even
taught in the famous St. Peter‟s, one of the oldest schools in the UK – a private, co-educational
boarding school. Her aim? To try and get pupils to find the fun side of maths.
How do you get pupils to see maths as fun?
I try to use analogies that are from real life. For instance, in
algebra, I have a clever equation to work out people‟s ages.
What do you think of the school so far?
I like it. I find the majority of children very interesting with
a good sense of humour.
Is there anything you would change?
No, nothing really.
With the elections for the senior six coming up, do you
have any advice?
Yes, try finding a healthy balance between doing the best
for the school and the best for the pupils.
Miss A. Collins is an Australian teacher who was in the business for five healthy years Down Under
before deciding it was time for a change. Rodborough is her first
school in the UK. She has some good ideas, though she was left
quite mystified when a grey squirrel started scurrying around
outside!
What can you do for the school?
I think I have a different style of teaching; I work with the
students rather than against them. I want to help students find a
love for maths.
Is there anything you would change?
More after-school activity. Perhaps Student vs. Staff matches.
What have you learned since coming to the UK?
Image from www.titanhitours.co.uk
English people can‟t do Australian accents!
What do you think of the school so far?
I‟m really enjoying it so far, the students are keen to learn and
the staff are friendly.
Year 9 TV Stars
On Thursday 26 February, a film crew
representing DCSF visited Rodborough
to make a short film for educational
professionals and teachers about
some of our curriculum changes. They
interviewed these Year 9 students
about a piece of work they were
doing in the Skills Centre with Miss
Harding. They were a credit to the
school as their lesson was filmed and
they were put on the spot by the
director‟s questions!
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
Image courtesy of RSA Films Ltd
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 10 OF 28
Reporters; Katie Baxter, Megan Gray and Annie Simons
Malcolm Rose, the popular teenage author, visited our school on
Tuesday 10th March. He gave the Year 7s an inspiring talk,
spreading over two periods, about forensic science and his career
as an author or, as he likes to call himself, “a professional
daydreamer”.
He has written a lot of books involving medical science, as he
trained as a chemist. He has written titles such as “Kiss of
Death” (one of the Booked Up reads for 2008), “Framed” and
“Lost Bullet”.
He started off the session with an investigation involving a dead
body lying on the LRC floor. Slowly he revealed a series of clues,
like fingerprints, fragments of clothing and samples of
handwriting that we had to piece together.
He also discussed his different
types of books – thrillers and
“Everyone has a
mysteries. He revealed his
story in them and
secret annoyance at the phrase
the best thing that
“it‟s grim up north”.
He also told us about how he had managed to get his own back
you can do is to
by writing about the “horrors of the south” in his best-selling
write it down NOW”
series, Traces.
Malcolm Rose,
He read a thrilling extract from his book, “Lost Bullet”, the
second in the Traces series.
Rodborough School,
Year 7 thoroughly enjoyed his visit and would like to thank him
10 March 2009
for giving up his time. We would also like to thank the library
staff for organising his visit.
What’s the Solution?
Reporter Alex Newell
In our Science lessons this week
Year 7 have been conducting
forensic tests on a crime scene.
By the end of the week we
hope to have found out how
the boy died.
So far we have tested the soil,
finger-prints and hair.
We‟ve had great fun trying to
work out the identity of the culprit, which should become clear
when we manage to work out how the boy died.
Thank you to the Police and the Science Department
for organising this investigation.
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 11 OF 28
Jazz Band plays Godalming Music Festival
Tom Simons, Music Correspondent
On Wednesday 4 March 2009 Mrs Yeadon took the school Jazz
Band to the Borough Hall to compete in the annual music
festival. Four of us remembered playing in the Hall at nursery
school a few years ago so it was strange to return! We opened
our set with Green Onions, went on to Watermelon Man and
finished with Caravan. Solos from Chris Owers, Brad Hayes,
Michael Austin, Chris Ford and Tom Simons were backed up by a
really tight performance by the band. The judges gave us a good
score and some useful comments, but we were pipped at the
post, by just a single mark, by Godalming Sixth Form College‟s
Jazz Quartet!
The Jazz Band last summer at Secretts
The band would like to thank Mrs Yeadon – yet again! – for arranging the performance and sorting
out all the gear. Look out for future performances as we build up to our May Half-Term tour to
Austria.
th
Year 7 Theatre trip to A Midsummer Night’s Dream
In January, Year 7s travelled to the Novello
Theatre in London to see the Royal
Shakespeare Company‟s production of A
Midsummer Night‟s Dream.
This modern adaptation was the first
Shakespeare experience for many pupils.
This is what they thought:
“The part of the play that
I most enjoyed was the
part of the wall where
they had to talk and kiss
each other through it.
That was really funny.”
Sophie
Photograph: RSC
“I found this Shakespeare play fantastic. It was very well
performed and the night turned out to be really good. It
made me laugh and the comedy timing was perfect.”
Melissa
A View From the Bridge at Duke of York Theatre
Hayley Atwell and Ken Stott in
A View from the Bridge
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
50 lucky Year 10 students travelled to the Duke of York‟s
Theatre to see Arthur Miller‟s play, A View from the Bridge,
starring Ken Stott.
After an interesting coach journey we settled into our front
row stalls seats and the evening just got better and better.
The play was simply brilliant – engagingly and movingly
performed throughout. Seeing the play on stage will really
help with coursework as the superb acting really brought the
characters alive.
Thank you to the English department for organising this for us.
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 12 OF 28
Annie!
Reporters: Emma Stanley-Clegg & Lauren Cole
We are pleased to announce that our 2009 summer production
will be Annie. This heart warming musical, following the fortunes
of orphan Annie, was written by Thomas Meehan with music by
Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin.
This is a lively and entertaining show and the production team
have been overwhelmed with the pupil response so far. After a
very difficult job for the Drama and Music departments, the show
has been cast and rehearsals will soon be under way.
The publishing of the cast list was greeted with much excitement, with students flooding to the
Drama & Music notice boards to discover whether they had been successful in landing their chosen
parts. A huge proportion of pupils from years 7-10 are involved on stage and there is still the
opportunity to volunteer backstage.
The lead roles this year are:
Annie
Lucy Jacob (Year9)
Miss Hannigan
Emma Stanley-Clegg (Year 10)
Oliver Warbucks
Thomas Rathbone (Year 8)
Grace Farrell
Hayley Toms (Year 9)
Rooster
Ryan Donaldson (Year 10)
Lily St Regis
Francesca Davis (Year 9)
President D Roosevelt
Tom Simons (Year 9)
Congratulations to everyone who auditioned and we hope to see
as many people as possible at the performances on the 9th, 10th
and 11th of July at 7:30pm in the Main Hall. Information about
tickets will be available at a later date.
If you would like to help out with the production in any way
please contact Mrs Bearman or Mrs Yeadon at the school.
Particular help is needed with costume making and any help, no
matter how small, will be greatly appreciated.
Photographs from „Annie‟ at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham 2003 and
„Annie‟, 1982 Film
World Book Day
Reporter Mrs C Howick
We have celebrated World Book Day 2009 in a number of
different ways. Year 7 enjoyed a visit from Malcolm Rose,
a popular author of teen fiction, who spoke to all
members of Year 7 about Forensic Science, and about how
he writes his popular Traces series.
World Book Day is also a brilliant time to own new books
as each Rodborough pupil is entitled to a specially
commissioned £1 book voucher.
W H Smith, Godalming, kindly provided a huge selection of
titles for the in-school bookshop and LRC staff were
inundated with streams of pupils eager to spend their
vouchers, either by using them to discount a book by
£1, or by swapping them directly for one of the many special £1 World Book Day titles.
If you haven‟t collected a book or a voucher yet then dash along to the LRC while stocks last!
More information about World Book Day can be found at www.worldbookday.com
Look out for our charity book-swap day next term …
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 13 OF 28
Reporter Mrs C Howick
Many of you will have seen Year 7 pupil, Lorin Adams, appear on BBC‟s Newsround last week.
Lorin, a St John‟s Ambulance Cadet, was relaxing at home with his family when a friend of his
brother‟s sustained a horrific injury to her face and neck caused by flying glass.
When faced with the „horror movie‟ scene of blood, Lorin calmly fetched his first-aid kit, donned
his latex gloves and took control of the situation.
He checked the major neck wound for obvious signs of broken
glass before applying a sterile dressing with pressure. He
instructed his mother to stop rubbing the victim‟s other
injuries in case glass remained in the wounds and, realising
that the bleeding was uncontrollable and that time was of the
essence, advised his mother that there was no time to call an
ambulance.
Keeping calm he supervised the short car journey to his local
emergency medical centre, maintaining pressure on the wound
throughout the journey to lessen the blood loss.
By arrival at the local emergency medical centre Lorin had
managed to keep the bleeding under control and was praised
for his swift actions and good judgement.
Without Lorin‟s help the victim could have bled to death
before an ambulance arrived.
Well done Lorin. This is a great example of why all of us need
to keep up our first aid training!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7960000/newsid
_7961000/7961027.stm (check the link for mor information)
First Aid Hero!
Year 11 Language Revision Days
Reporter Mrs C Howick
Year 11 students of German and
Year 11 French Students relax next to the Thames
French had the opportunity to travel
to Westminster for a full day of
revision for their chosen language.
They joined with students from many
other schools at the unusual circular
auditorium
where
two
lively
presenters helped them to tackle
such knotty problems as grammar,
Murder at the Carnival, looking at the
language of advertisements and
ending with games of Family
Fortunes.
A feature of the French day was the
memorable rendition of „joyeux
anniversaire à Matt‟ by several
hundred GCSE students to mark Matt‟s
16th Birthday!
Fine weather for both trips allowed the students time to enjoy the park next to the Thames during
their lunch breaks and the welcome opportunity to chat to one another in English!
Asterix Cartoon by Marshall Coope, Year 7
Music Success
Congratulations to the following students for their recent Music Examination success:
Michael Austin - Grade 5 theory
Olivia Nunn – Grade 8 Piano
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 14 OF 28
Year 9 Visit Ypres & the Somme
Reporters James Ventress & Kate Amy
At six in the morning on 28 of February, many tired Year 9 kids
and some even more tired teachers boarded the coach for the
Ypres battlefield in Belgium and the Somme battlefield in
France.
As soon as we met our guides we knew it was going to be a very
interesting trip. Our arrival in France had a dramatic start when
the coach bumped into a passing lorry and a window was
smashed. Reacting quickly and efficiently, the problem was soon
sorted and we were on our way into Ypres for the first day of our
weekend trip. Whilst travelling, the guides filled us in with the
Photo James Ventress
details of the weekend ahead of us.
Our first destination was a cemetery for predominantly British soldiers, just outside Ypres. Its
overwhelming scale gave us a real understanding of the enormous loss of life involved in the war,
and opened our eyes to how serious and meaningful the weekend would be. We also saw the
efforts made by the War Graves Commission to provide a grave of some kind for everyone who
died. After a quick go at finding relatives, we boarded the coach once more and headed for
Langermaark, a German cemetery. Here we were told of the huge number of German war
casualties and the differences between British and German cemeteries, where thousands upon
thousands of German soldiers were all buried together in one huge grave, in accordance with the
Germans‟ strong belief that the soldiers had died together and should, therefore, be buried
together.
Our next stop was a Canadian memorial where we learnt about
gas attacks. Later in the day, came our first chance to wear
wellies! It was our visit to the trenches at the Passchendael
Museum. Here we gained an insight into what it would have been
like for both the German and British sides. We visited some
unfilled German trenches, walked through them and saw what it
would have been like to be a German soldier looking down on the
British troops from higher ground. We were introduced to the
weapons used in trench warfare and were told about sniper fire
and how easy it would have been to shoot at someone from the
opposite trench.
Photo James Ventress
With three cemeteries under our belts it was time
to relax, so we booked in to our hostel and toured
the local chocolate shops before boarding the
coach once more to attend the incredibly moving
Last Post ceremony at the famous Menin Gate. A
lucky 3 were chosen to lay our wreath in front of
the hundreds of people who had gathered for the
ceremony. The buglers played their eerie yet
beautiful tune, the wreaths were laid and a prayer
was said.
th
The Menin Gate (photo www.greatwar.co.uk)
By this time we were ready for our dinner, at the Vivaldi Restaurant, and a good night‟s sleep at
the hostel.
After our early start the following morning, we travelled to the Somme battlefields to look at the
fields where so many British soldiers lost their lives and where there are still many unexploded
objects lying around!
We then went to the Newfoundland Park, which is a memorial to the Canadians who lost their lives
in the war and on to the Thiepval Memorial which was huge and very impressive.
With all our visits behind us and with plenty to think about, we started our long coach journey
home ready for school the next day! We would like to thank all the teachers who went with us and
the guides who answered all our questions and kept us interested even though we were very tired!
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 15 OF 28
Congratulations Bethan!
a letter from the Surrey Schools Athletic Association
Dear Mr Smith,
It is with great pleasure that I am able to write to you with news of one of the biggest National
Championships of 2009 involving an athlete from your school.
The English Schools Cross Country Championships brings together elite athletes drawn from each of
the 46 counties across England. I am pleased to inform you that the Surrey Team for the 2009
English Schools Cross Country Championship to take place in Loughborough on 21 st March will
include Bethan Hubbard (Inter Girls) from Rodborough.
With only 8 athletes per age group selected from across the whole of Surrey, I am sure that you
will agree that this selection is indeed a great honour to both the athlete and the school. As Surrey
Boys Team Manager, can I thank you in advance for your support and once again congratulate your
school and Bethan on her sporting excellence.
Yours sincerely,
J Manson
Surrey Boys Cross Country Team Manager
We would like to introduce our new cartoonist,
Marshall Coope, from 7LM.
Marshall has been drawing cartoons for several
years and has used his penguin characters to
capture the mood of our RS Factor finals:
Look out for more cartoons in this and future
editions of The Chronicles
Rodborough Judged ‘Outstanding’
Representatives of Surrey County Council visited Rodborough last week to analyse our recent
performance data. They were pleased to report that our improvements in GCSE results and
contextual value added scores place us in Ofsted‟s „Outstanding‟ bracket for achievement.
These figures are the result of a great deal of work by both staff and pupils, working together to
achieve realistic targets.
You know what your targets are. You know that, with support, you can reach them. This
endorsement from Surrey County Council proves that this support is in place for you, so take
control of your future and work to the best of your ability!
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 16 OF 28
It‟s 3am on Thursday 5th March as 26
excitable yet mildly apprehensive Yearr 10
students embark upon the great crusade that
is the German exchange trip to Mayen.
With phrase books and an already expertly
honed vocabulary at the ready, the pupils
went on their cultural charm offensive with
aplomb and professionalism beyond their
modest years. As a group they experienced
such wonders as the “dark, moist and
secretful” Mayen slate museum, St Clemens
Parish Church with its twisted spire, the
famous “Deutsche Eck” in the wonderful city
of Koblenz; where the River Mosel meets the
Rhine and the political behemoth of Germany
that is Bonn.
Yet again, the tradition of eating a
disgraceful amount of ice cream was once
again adopted with gusto to the delight of the
cheerful and welcoming café manager. This
set the tone for what was a tremendously
enjoyable, fulfilling and successful week, one
that has made an indelible impression on us
all. Strong bonds and friendships were made
(on the most part!) with our European
counterparts.
As we said our goodbyes with a heavy heart,
we were safe in the knowledge that we would
be left with the cherished memories of the
days we spent in Germany. Here‟s looking to
the return leg in September.
Until then, Auf Wiedersehen!
Reporter Mr J Barber
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 17 OF 28
Holocaust Memorial
Reporters Liam Cole & Red Covacic
For our Year 8 RE assessment we have been The end results were extremely good. As well as
making Holocaust Memorials. This had our a model to hand in, we also had to fill in a
imagination whirring to excel in this task. We question sheet. These questions ranged from
had what seemed to be thousands of different
what a German would think and what a Jew
styles of memorials, and with most, it was very
would think of the Memorial. The marks for
clear that a lot of planning and good ideas had
these assessments were very good and
been incorporated.
both RE teachers were very pleased with
all the pieces of work. We talked to one
artist, David:
A selection of these poignant and thought-provoking memorials will be displayed at Godalming
Library from the 7th to the 17th of April. Don‟t miss the opportunity to see what the Rodborough
students have achieved.
Photographs and footnote by Jason Bowen
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 18 OF 28
Ski 2009
Reporter Mr B Farrell
This year‟s Ski and Snowboard trip proved more popular than
ever. Over ninety Rodborough pupils and staff made the twenty
two hour coach ride to Austria during February half term. Upon
arrival in our resort, just outside Innsbruck, we were greeted by
some of the best snow conditions in years. The powder was
extremely thick on the first day, so thick in fact that Mr Farrell
and Mr Pearce were almost buried in it.
Bright blue skies soon turned to total whiteouts and by the
second day the visibility was unbelievably poor. Fortunately the
snow was so deep and fluffy it meant that falling over was not a
problem, nor was it painful. This was one of the reasons that,
apart from a couple of bumps and bruises, everyone came home
with limbs still attached.
The blue skies returned by the
middle of the week and the
Rodborough
Team
were
desperate to ride the fresh
stuff. Unfortunately we had to
wait, four and a half hours in
fact,
while
diggers
and
snowploughs cleared the road
to the glacier that had been
covered by five metres of snow
from a controlled avalanche
that morning. During the wait
one of our coaches were
treated to a rap by Mr Pearce
on the mike and a rendition of
„Magical Trevor‟ by Mr Short.
Throughout the week our pupils excelled themselves.
On the slopes the rate of improvement displayed by
both the skiers and snowboarders was staggering. Our
reputation on the mountain was further enhanced this
year as the instructors haggled amongst themselves for
the opportunity to work with a Rodborough group.
During a trip to Innsbruck the female owner of a large
sweet shop (affectionately known as „The Gummi Bear
Lady‟) remarked on how well behaved our school party
was in comparison to certain others!
As the week came to an end it was time to issue a few awards to those pupils who had displayed
exceptional qualities both on and off the Glacier. The awards were:
Long service and good conduct – Gwyn Hockridge
Perseverance – Tom Watts
13th Member of Staff – Dan Ferguson
Bravery – Micaela Grammer
Screamer of the Week – Sophie Marshall
Top boarder – Mark Evison
Most improved boarder – Katherine Murphy
Most Improved skier – Jess Collett
Top Skier – Dom Ryder
Legendary Status – Bertrand Henry Lamond
Our thanks go to Mr Lee for investing many an hour of his time to ensure this year’s trip was
one of the finest yet.
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 19 OF 28
Gym & Dance Extravaganza
Reporter Miss G Horne
This was our second Gym & Dance Show, and it was bigger and
better than last year. Over 100 pupils took part from Year 3 up to
Year 13s from Godalming College. Our 3 Junior Schools,
Busbridge, Chandler and St Edmunds were joined by guest
Secondary School, Glebelands, as well as two acts from
Godalming College.
There was tremendous variety this year with acts including HipHop, Cheerleading and some fantastic Gymnastics routines.
Well done to all who took part. Your months of training and hard
work certainly paid off!
“This was my first Gym & Dance
show and it was really fun and
cool! It was well organised and
we worked really hard on it. I
really want to take part next
year and I think the new Year 7
in September should get
involved too!” Kate Fifield
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 20 OF 28
Years 3&4 Gymnastics
Reporter Miss G Horne
With the help of some talented
gymnasts from Rodborough we ran
the Year 3 and 4 Gymnastics
Competition at The Edge Sports
Centre, Woolmer Hill. Five of our
local Partnership Junior Schools
took part. Alex Bradbury, Joshua
Walker and Katie Luff did a
fantastic job of warming up the
50 eager children so they were
ready for the competition.
They also helped with the organisation of the
event and made sure everything went smoothly
with the different apparatus.
Talented Rodborough Year 7 gymnasts, Georgie
Major, Helena Sharp, Holly Phipps and Portia
Nunn also were a great help at the event.
Their performance, „Vampire Gymnastic
Routine‟, rounded off the event and deeply
impressed the younger pupils.
St James‟ School, Elstead, won the Boys
competition and Waverley Abbey were the victors
in the Girls‟ competition.
Dance Session Year 3-Year 6
Earlier in the term many Year 3 to Year 6 children
from The Chandler School and St Edmunds joined
with the students from Rodborough for a Dance
session. This proved very successful and, as we
have come to expect, our Rodborough students‟
leadership skills shone through.
Gifted & Talented Academy
Gifted & Talented children from our local Junior Schools now meet at Rodborough on Monday
evenings to take part in such sports as Hockey, Rugby, Cricket & Trampolining.
Year 8 District Netball Tournament
Reporter Miss G Horne
Our Year 8 netballers recently travelled to their District tournament and worked really hard
throughout the afternoon.
The A team won several matches and the B team finished joint first overall which was great work.
Well Done!
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 21 OF 28
Sports Ambassadors
Letter from Waverley Sports Development Officer
Dear Mr Smith
I just wanted to let you know of a major success for two of your students. I recently came to the
school to speak with the sports ambassadors, Michael Jansen and Katherine Sharp, to ask for their
assistance with a funding bid to help support the delivery of the Surrey Youth Games 2009. I found
them to be extremely helpful and enthusiastic about the project and in fact, they gave up their
lunch break to help me. I am pleased to say that we have received £5,000 worth of funding from
the Youth Opportunities Fund.
Approximately 250 children across Waverley will feel the benefit of this injection of funding,
including other students from your school. This is really fantastic news, I knew this was something
that we could ask your school for help with - and I purposefully chose to work with your students,
it turns out I was well justified in doing this.
Thank you very much for the continuing support of Rodborough. Please also pass on my thanks to
Miss Horne for organising it, and in particular to Michael and Katherine for their assistance.
All the best,
Christina Hales
Sports Development Officer
Waverley Borough Council, The Burys, Godalming, Surrey. GU7 1HR
Year 10 Girls’ Cricket Tournament
Reporter Miss C Shephard
Not content with one new sport (basketball) the ever adaptable
Year 10 girls tried their hand at indoor cricket. Following two
sessions with Surrey‟s Cricket Development Officer it was time to
test their new skills at a tournament.
Building heavily on the skills learned from Rounders, a more
familiar sport, they triumphed in their first game against
Broadwater. Losing their second game by a nail-biting four runs
turned into their favour, handing them the tournament title on
run difference.
Fun Friday
Reporter Miss G Horne
Children from The Chandler School came to Rodborough on
their Fun Friday for a taster Trampolining session, which they
really enjoyed. In addition to the elementary moves, many
students progressed to more complex moves including adding
front jumps to their routines.
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 22 OF 28
Year 9 Rugby- George Abbott
Tom Simons – Rugby Correspondent
The Year 9 Rugby team remained unbeaten in their fifth match of the year with a very convincing
45:7 victory over George Abbot. The Rodborough pack dominated the first half securing fast ball
for the backs to show off their moves.
Will Johnson scored early in the first half. Tom Simons then scored from a pickup from the back of
a solid Rodborough scrum. Nick Gee finished the half with two great tries crashing through George
Abbot‟s defence. Rodborough were able to continue scoring in the second half, despite losing Will
Butterfield to injury, with Greg Lyall skilfully weaving his way from long range in his first match.
After a long stint defending in our 22, Rodborough broke away, knocking down many defenders on
the way to Tom Simons‟ 10th try of the season and second of the match. George Abbot scored next
but, for them, it was too little too late. Nick Gee then finished the game in style completing his
hat-trick after a flowing three-quarter attack passing down the line and has promised to bring
drinks for the team for the next match!
Rodborough performed very well with great debut performances from Max Signorelli and Greg
Lyall. James Berry kicked five conversions from all angles, and George Stow, Alex Bunney and
Connor Carpenter, amongst others, displayed great power.
Unfortunately, St Peter‟s were unable to make the journey to Fortress Rodborough, having heard
of the power of the pack and guile of the backs, so the Year 9 team finished the regular fixtures
unbeaten and, as top of the league, will host a home semi-final match in the next few weeks.
The whole team are thinking of Connor Carpenter who has broken his arm whilst foolishly playing
the Round Ball Game, and we wish him a speedy recovery as we need his delicate soft hands and
subtle skills!
Football Mania ‘09
Reporter Miss C Shephard
Lianne
Sanderson,
Chelsea
Womens‟ Captain and striker,
visited Rodborough and, with the
help of JSLA students, coached 125
Years 7 & 9 girls.
Inter-House 6-a-side tournaments
ran
all
afternoon
alongside
Lianne‟s skills sessions.
The Football mania afternoon
was a huge success with the
girls receiving top quality
coaching
and
signed
photographs
from
Lianne
Sanderson as well as the
opportunity to play against
other houses in the 6-a-side
tournament.
The afternoon was made possible by the hard work and dedication of the JSLA leaders who took on
roles of team managers, coaches, referees and score collators and collectors.
Thank you all for your help and to Lianne Sanderson for spending her valuable time with us.
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 23 OF 28
Girls’ 6-a-Side Team through to Surrey Finals!
Reporter Miss C Shephard
This is the first year that Farnham, Waverley and Guildford
Girls‟ 6-a-side football tournaments have been held. These
tournaments have been a real celebration of the continued
rise in popularity of the sport, with around 15 teams
represented, many of which were new to Rodborough.
Sixteen of our strongest Year 7 players represented
Rodborough but, despite playing very well in all their
games, were unable to make it through to the finals.
Our U14 girls are showing great promise. The „B‟ team
drew 2 of their 4 games against other schools‟ „A‟ teams,
whilst the our „A‟ team played some magnificent passing
football to win all their 4 group matches to reach the semi-final, where they played Guildford
County, the score of 2:1 winning them a place in the final.
A close goalless final against Farnham Heath End School was forced into extra time. A clever flick
and a header goal won the game for Farnham Heath End, leaving the Rodborough team runners up.
Whilst they were unlucky not to win this tournament, the reserve title has handed them an entry
ticket to the Surrey Finals in April, against the district‟s winning 6-a-side teams. Good Luck Girls!
Reporter Miss C Shephard
U14 Girls Football Semi-Final Success
Our U14 Girls‟ side have won all their group
matches this year, beating Woolmer Hill,
Guildford County, Glebelands and Broadwater,
to secure their place in the semi-finals away
against Woolmer Hill. After a nervous start,
playing far from their best, Rodborough
conceded a goal to Woolmer Hill finding
themselves 0:1 down at half time.
The second half had a much better start with
midfielders sending some lovely balls through
Woolmer Hill‟s defence to speedy forward, Ellen
Macnally, who was able to even the score by the
end of the second half and force the game into
extra time.
Restarting play with all guns blazing, Rodborough put pressure on Woolmer Hill at every
opportunity. Despite several good opportunities, goals remained elusive.
With only 3 minutes of play remaining, Ellen Macnally pounced on a ball in the penalty area and
slotted it home, leaving a couple of minutes of nervous play with Woolmer Hill‟s attempt at
drawing even thwarted by a fantastic covering tackle from Venetia Cook.
As we go to press the girls are looking forward to their final against George Abbot School,
Guildford. Good Luck – Play Well!
Reporter Miss Shephard
County Netballer
Deputy Head Girl, Charlotte Ward’s Netball training during her time at
Rodborough has really paid off as, in addition to playing for
Rodborough’s Year 11s Charlotte is now a member of the Surrey County
team. Well done, Charlotte, and best wishes for the future.
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 24 OF 28
Reporter Miss C Shephard
Netball Roundup
For Year 10 girls, keeping hold of their 2008 District Netball Champions title into 2009 formed
the focus of their season.
The practice matches all went well with no concessions and their training matches v Year 11,
together with weekly mixed gender training toughened and further developed their game.
When it came to tournament day, having surveyed
County Champions 2009
the strong field and good turnout, it was obvious
that retaining the title was by no means assured!
With the teams split into two groups Team
Rodborough dominated their group with four wins
and a draw. Exceptional shooting from Chloe
Harding and Sophie Major kept the goals coming in
leaving the team with a comfortable goal
difference and securing the easier semi-final
opponent Guildford County, who had been placed
second in their group. Dispatching Guildford
County comfortably 7-4 was their entry ticket into
the final against the tipped team, Howard of
Effingham, a team the girls had never previously
played. It soon became apparent that the team
tactics of Howard of Effingham mirrored those of
our own Year 11 team (thank goodness for those training matches). Rodborough disrupted Howard
of Effingham‟s play with excellent defence, marking the players from behind and stopping their
use of overhead dodges. The teams were evenly matched and had everything to play for. In a nailbiting match the scores were even at 2-2 forcing the game into extra time. Rodborough‟s tight
marking frustrated the Howard of Effingham forwards whilst Chloe and Sophie‟s superior shooting
saw Rodborough score two more goals bringing the final score to 4-2.
This was a fantastic tournament to end the girls‟ committed season, retaining their District Netball
Champions title.
With no „B Team Tournament‟ this year, our second team, ably captained by Jess Waters, played
against all the other „A Teams‟. They played well in all their matches but lack of team match
practice proved costly losing them goals against more experienced sides. Their attitude and
commitment, however, is an example to all.
Our Year 9 girls also had their sights fixed on becoming District Netball Champions after finishing
runners-up for the last two years. Practice matches early in the season had gone well, including
one game where they won 49-0! They just hoped that they now had the extra form needed to take
the title.
All the strong teams had turned out to the tournament, which would have no semi-finals.
Everything hung on winning the group. The first match for the „A Team‟ was against their old rivals
Guildford County, who have pipped them to the title for the past two years. The girls lost their
composure, panicked and failed to produce their best play, devastatingly losing this important
match.
The pressure was now on to win every other game in the group and hope against hope that
Guildford County slipped up. With play improving with every game, the girls‟ confidence and
composure returned. Frankie Davis and Amy Fifield‟s excellent shooting kept the goals coming and,
by the end of the tournament, Rodborough had added four wins and a draw to their score line.
Guildford County were unstoppable, however, winning all their matches to retain their County
Champions status. Anxious analysis of the results tables put the smiles back on our girls‟ faces as
they had done enough to retain their runner-up status.
Not to be outdone, the „B Team‟, captained by Emma Berrill, also played really well to finish
reserve champions in their „B Tournament‟. Good luck for next year, girls. Keep up your hard work
and positive attitudes and go for fourth time lucky!
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 25 OF 28
Year 10 Basketball Debut
Reporter Lila Flint Roberts.
On the Wednesday, 15 of January, with only four training
sessions under our belt, the newly formed Year 10
basketball team set off to our first match (which also
happened to be a tournament) at George Abbot.
We arrived a little apprehensive, but full of team spirit as
usual. The team consisted of Chloe Harding, Harriet
Standing, Melika Jackson, Louise Rose, Katie Welsh, Nikki
Browning and Lila Flint Roberts. We arrived slightly late,
so barely had time to warm up, before we were straight on
for our first match against George Abbot. We knew they
would be „the team to beat‟ so after Miss Shephard
delivered her team talk and tried to convince us that
basketball was “just like netball” the match was off to a
flying start.
In the first half, we were slightly unnerved by the 6ft
player from George Abbot, so we focused on our defence
and were pleased with the half-time score of 0-0. When
the subs came on, however, the gloves came off and we
changed our focus to attack with Louise, Chloe and Lila
The Debutants
soon scoring valuable goals.
Experienced George Abbot, however, were just that bit more prepared, finding holes in our defences.
The end score was 12-5 to George Abbott, although this did not down hearten us in the slightest! We
were all psyched up for our next match against Broadwater. With a few alterations to the team, we
were ready for our second match. We recognised a few familiar faces from netball, so we knew who
were better at shooting and who the better defenders were. This played to our advantage and,
following fabulous goals from Chloe, Melika, Lila and Louise, we were 6-2 up by the end of the first
half. Brilliant defence from Nikki and Katie in the second half limited Broadwater to 3 further goals
whilst our high quality scored us another 3 goals, ending the game on a high for us, with the score 9-5.
After congratulating Broadwater, we were straight on for our last match, against Guildford County.
With our hopes high for second place, all our efforts went into this last match! As soon as the whistle
blew, we moved forward as a unit and made many snatches from Guildford County. By the end of the
first half, we were up 5-1, with some stunning goals from Louise and Melika and, some quality defence
from Harriet and Katie, we were ready to finish County off! The second half started from our back line
and, after some confusion from a member of our team as to which way we were shooting, we were
rearing to go! With some fabulous interceptions from Nikki, and amazing running from Chloe and Lila,
the match ended on an extremely satisfying score of 13-3, Rodborough had won second place at our
first tournament! We were unbelievably happy (as was Miss Shephard), and the bus ride home was full
of up-beat team spirit.
th
Waverley and Ash Tournament
Reporter Miss C Shephard
With their first tournament under their belt, the team were ready to compete in the Waverley and
Ash Partnership Tournament. This tournament built on the skills learned at the previous one, with
the girls developing and improving with every match played.
The training between tournaments was proved to be effective early in the first game of the
tournament giving the Rodborough girls‟ confidence to storm their game against Woolmer Hill,
winning by a commanding margin 30-2.
The next game was against the more experienced Broadwater side and, working well with the
forecourt press, our girls soon took the lead. Running down the clock, Rodborough snatched
another goal on the counter to win 14-4.
The final game, against Glebelands, also saw the girls dominating their opposition. The final score
of 14-4 in their favour securing the title of Waverley and Ash Champions.
The hard work of these girls and their receptiveness to new experiences has reaped benefits as
several members of the team have, on the merits of their play at this tournament, been invited to
attend County Trials. Good luck girls.
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 26 OF 28
Girls’ Football at Thomas Tallis
Reporters – Ellie Wyithe & Melika Jackson
A minibus full of excited Year 9 and
10 girls headed to Thomas Tallis
School in the East of London on
Monday the 15th December. Due to
Miss Shephard‟s eagerness and
lighter than imagined traffic, we
arrived 30 minutes early so headed
to a local park. After a quick warmup we hopped back in the mini bus
to Thomas Tallis School where the
presence of policemen around the
grounds made us a little uneasy!
Our minds were, however, put to
rest on the football pitch where we
met the home team and realised
how friendly the girls were. They
played a great, fair game of
football, which we all thoroughly
enjoyed!
Our team played really well and,
even after being two goals down at
the end of the first half, never gave
up and fought on to the end.
Unfortunately, the final score was
6:0 to Tallis but, after all, it‟s the experience that counts! We were all really proud of ourselves
for reaching the fifth round of the Under 15‟s National Football Competition and would love to
have another go next year! We all benefited from the matches and it was really interesting to visit
Thomas Tallis School, it being so different from Rodborough. A special thanks to Miss Shepherd for
organising all our matches and to Mike Payne for driving us all up to London!
Footnote from Miss Shephard
This was the first time that Rodborough girls have entered the U15 National Cup. They have
benefited enormously from playing the wide variety of teams from different environments. All
our games have been against schools from Greater London and we were lucky to draw two home
games, two byes and, our final game, an away at Lewisham.
I‟ve been very proud of our girls, who have played well throughout the series. It has been their
attitude, however, that has impressed me most. They have maintained discipline at all times and
demonstrated exceptional levels of fair play. Well done girls. You are a credit to the school.
Reporter Miss C Shephard
JSLA Update
Our JSLAs will soon complete their leadership training
and have started to tot up their leadership hours to
discover whether they will graduate with Bronze,
Silver or Gold Awards. They have been an enormous
help to both Rodborough and the local community by
helping to run SSCO events and after school clubs.
They are busy as ever and will soon be organising inter-tutor sports events and summer sports.
It will soon be time for the Year 9s to enrol on this popular and valuable course.
Look out for more information in assemblies or you can ask me for more details.
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 27 OF 28
Comic Relief @ Rodborough
Red Nose Day 2009
Rodborough has been alive with fund-raising ideas over the past week or more. Monies are still
coming in as we go to press with an impressive total of more than £2,500 banked so far.
Please look on the website where we will post our final totals as soon as we have them.
Until then, here are some photos of some of our fund-raising fun.
RODBOROUGH CHRONICLES
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
PAGE 28 OF 28