Newsletter Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School

NEWMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Newsletter
SPRING 2014
Useful dates
for your diary
Monday 26 May – Friday 30 May
Half term
Monday 16 June – Friday 20 June
Mentoring week
Wednesday 18 June
Meetings with Year 6 parents
Monday 23 June
Year 11 leavers’ assembly
Wednesday 25 June
Year 7 parents’ evening
Thursday 26 June
Year 11 Prom
Monday 30 June – Friday 4 July
Castlerigg visit
Thursday 3 July
Year 5 open evening
Monday 7 July
Year 6 induction day
and parents’ evening
Tuesday 8 July
Sports Day
Wednesday 9 July
Preparing for employment day
Thursday 10 July
Sports Day (reserve)
Sports Awards Dinner
Sunday 13 July
PTFA Summer Gala
Wednesday 16 July
Rewards trip
Monday 14 July – Friday 18 July
France trip
Friday 18 July
End of summer term
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School
www.newman.cumbria.sch.uk
Dear Parent/Carer
Welcome to our latest
newsletter. As the summer term
starts we can look forward to
brighter weather and longer
days. It is also a very bright time
for Newman.
As you know, national data shows
that Newman is performing well
above national averages; our GCSE
results were fantastic, with 63%
of students achieving five or more
A*-C grades (including English
and maths). We are proud of this
success and of our hard working
students and dedicated staff. We
hope to build on this success when
our current Year 11s take their
exams in the summer.
Year 11s approach a vital few weeks
in their education at Newman, as
they meet coursework deadlines
and prepare for exams. Our
sixth form students are also
approaching the exam period
and are working hard to secure
places at university, college or in
employment.
Year 10s are well into their GCSE
work and Year 9s are choosing
their options for September.
Our younger students in Years 7
and 8 have impressed us with their
enthusiasm, their attendance at
extra-curricular clubs and their
positive attitude to learning.
We regularly monitor the students’
targets and achievement, and data
reports are sent out to parents.
Please discuss targets with your
child and if you have questions
about the data reports do not
hesitate to contact the school.
Working together we can achieve
the best outcomes for your child.
Exam results and data aside, I
am proud of all the wonderful
activities and events which are
going on in and out of school.
Please take the time to read this
newsletter which will give you a
taste of what is taking place in the
Newman community.
Our school parliament continues
to put forward the student voice
and plays a vital role in school.
It takes the lead in most of our
charity fundraising events and
activities. This year it is raising
money for the Daisy Garland, a
charitable organisation which
supports families affected by
childhood epilepsy - more about
this in the newsletter.
Once again, we have a full
Year 7 for September and are
oversubscribed, with many
families choosing Newman
for their children’s secondary
education.
Thank you for your continued
support and for playing an
important part in your child’s
education.
Please read on to find out about
all the marvellous achievements
we have seen in and out of the
classroom.
J McAuley
Headteacher
Remember to report a student absence
as soon as possible:
Contact our attendance officer Mrs Armstrong on
01228 404769
Page 1
Attendance
Matters:
Children’s Services
5 Portland Square Carlisle Cumbria  CA1 1PU
Tel 01228 226857  Fax 01228 601260
At Newman weApril
constantly
2014
strive to improve
student
April 2014
Dear Parent/Guardian,
attendance. There is a direct
Parent/Guardian,
LEAVE OF ABSENCE INDear
TERM
TIME
link between good attendance
Time lost by children and young people due to family holidays taken in term time can be disruptive to
LEAVE
ABSENCE
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and raising achievement.
If In addition,
their education.
I amOF
concerned
that
could
be some misunderstanding of the law in
Time
lost
by
children
and
young
people
due
to family holidays taken in term
relation
to
absence
from
school
because
of
holidays
taken
during
term
time.
students are not in school they
time can be disruptive to their education. In addition, I am concerned that
are not learning.
youwhereverthere
couldabsence
be some
misunderstanding
the law
WeBefore
advise that
possible,
from
school should be of
avoided
asinit can have a serious
effect
on
your
child’s
educational
progress,
and
can
create
difficulties
for
them
on their
return
to school,
relation
to
absence
from
school
because
of
holidays
taken
during
term time.
take your child out of school
particularly if they are joining a new school or class. It is important to note that only the Headteacher
stop and think “does
my childabsenceWefrom
can authorise
Parents/Guardians
cannot
the be
absence
adviseschool.
that wherever
possible, absence
fromauthorise
school should
avoided
themselves.
as
it
can
have
a
serious
effect
on
your
child’s
educational
progress,
and can
need to be absent and miss
create difficulties for them on their return to school,
important lessons?”
Recent changes to legislation have removed the discretionary 10 day period of absence which covered
particularly if they are joining a new school or class. It is important to note
family holidays. Schools are now required to refuse requests for holiday absence in term time.
that only the Headteacher can authorise absence from school. Parents/
Headteachers may grant a leave of absence in exceptional circumstances. If you believe that your
Guardians
cannot
authorise
themselves.
•Please plan non-urgent
medical
circumstances are exceptional
you can
make
a requestthe
to absence
the school.
In considering a request, the
or dental appointments
school will after
take into account the child’s age, the time of year of the absence, and the nature of the visit.
Recent
changes
to legislation
have removed
the discretionary
10 day
period
The Headteacher will also
consider
the child’s
stage of education
and progress
and the child’s
overall
school.
of absencewillwhich
covered family
holidays.
Schools
areyour
nowcircumstances
required to
attendance record. Headteachers
not authorise
absence
unless they
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are exceptional. Case law
identifies
that for
anyholiday
holiday absence
or event in
which
be Headteachers
arranged duringmay
school
refuse
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termcan
time.
grant
holiday periods
authorised
during
school term.
•Please avoid arranging
familyshould nota be
leave
of absence
in the
exceptional
circumstances. If you believe that your
all cases
a discussionare
with
the Headteacher
in make
order to
look at the
issues
as they
circumstances
exceptional
you can
a request
to the
school.
In
holidays duringInterm
time.it is best to have
affect your child.
considering a request, the school will take into account the child’s age, the
time of year of the absence, and the nature of the visit. The Headteacher
Parents
who on
take
their children on an unauthorised holiday in term time could be issued with a Fixed
•Report a student
absence
the
will also consider the child’s stage of education and progress and the child’s
Penalty
The amount of the fine is £60 if paid within 21days and £120 if paid between 21 and 28
first day of absence
asNotice.
early as
overall attendance record. Headteachers will not authorise absence unless
days.
they believe your circumstances are exceptional. Case law identifies that
possible by telephoning
anyduring
holiday
or event
cantobe
during
holiday
periods
a leave of absence
term
time iswhich
agreed
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it isschool
vital that
it does
not
Mrs ArmstrongWhere
our attendance
should
notimportant
be authorised
during
the school
term.
coincide with examinations
or other
tests that
your child
has to take.
officer on 01228 404769. Please
In all cases it is best to have a discussion with the Headteacher in order to
remember to follow
this of
upexaminations
with
The dates
in 2013/14
are: as they affect your child.
look
at the issues
a letter or a note in your child’s
Key Stage 2 SATs
May – contact school for exact dates
Parents
who take their children on an unauthorised holiday in term time
planner.
GCSE
November/ May/June – contact school for exact dates
could
be
issued
withMay
a Fixed
Notice.School
The amount
the fine is £60 if
‘A’ and ‘AS’
Throughout
January,
and Penalty
June – contact
for exactofdates
paid within 21 days and £120 if paid between 21 and 28 days.
If you have concerns about your
Headteachers are advised not to authorise leave of absence where the pupil will miss a public
child’s attendance,
please do not
Where a leave of absence during term time is agreed to be exceptional, it is
examination.
vital that it does not coincide with examinations or other important tests that
hesitate to contact us and we can
Many people are workingyour
verychild
hardhas
to help
your child to succeed. I trust you will support us in this
to take.
support you in ensuring
your child
matter, in partnership with your child’s school.
has the best chances to succeed.
Yours sincerely
The dates of examinations in 2013/14 are:
Please see opposite the new
guidance about taking holidays in
term time.
John Macilwraith
Key Stage 2 SATs May – contact school for exact dates
GCSE November/ May/June
contact school for exact dates
‘A’
and
‘AS’
Throughout January, May and June
Acting Corporate Director Children’s Services
contact
School
for exact dates
Together we can achieve the best
for every child, young person and
their family
in Cumbria.
Attendance
matters!
Your child’s
education
matters!
Headteachers are advised not to authorise leave of absence where the pupil
will miss a public examination.
ManyBuilding
people are working
hard to help your child to succeed. I trust you
pride very
in Cumbria
will support us in this matter, in partnership with your child’s school.
Yours sincerely
John Macilwraith
Acting Corporate Director Children’s Services
Together we can achieve the best for every child, young person and their family in Cumbria.
Page 2
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School
careers:
Weekly careers talks have been held this term for students
across the year groups. We have welcomed speakers
with information on a wide range of careers and training,
including finance and business, ICT, electronics, hairdressing, teaching, child care,
joinery, retail management and being self-employed
We have also welcomed representatives from GenII to pass on information about apprenticeships and from
universities who spoke about student finance, higher education course and university life.
There is a new job board in our student dining room with information on local jobs and apprenticeship
opportunities.
If you have an interesting career and would like to speak to a group of students or if you are a local employer
and are looking for apprentices please contact Miss Brough or Mrs Brookes at school.
Be a Part of
Engineering Construction
Around 80 students from years 9 to 12 were invited to
“Be a part of Engineering Construction” at a roadshow
event on 24 October.
The interactive show was designed to introduce the
students to all the diverse areas of life which depend on
construction and engineering, such as manufacturing
processes; the food industry; pharmaceuticals; and
energy resources.
The presenters used a very lively combination of role
play; dance; music; short film sequences; and question
and answer sessions, to deliver their information.
A group of students bravely volunteered to participate
in a short demonstration and Jo-Jo McGinley and
Aaron Morris went head to head in a quiz at the end
of the show, in which Aaron won a £20 high street
voucher.
The overall impact was a raised awareness of the
engineering and construction industries and the
options for career pathways.
The Army Youth
Engagement Group
On 13 November, Year 10 attended a presentation by
the Army Youth Engagement Group. The aim of the
event was to raise awareness and understanding of
the Army’s role in society.
Students who have expressed an interest in a career
in the armed forces will have an informal interview
with a representative from the armed forces careers
service during the course of the year.
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School
Launch of
Young Enterprise
A group of 14 Year 12 students, the majority of
whom are studying Business, have formed a
company called Newco as part of the Young
Enterprise programme. During Young Enterprise
projects young people develop key skills they need
not only for the world of work but also for day to
day life such as:
•An understanding of how business works and
how wealth is created.
• The ability to work in a team.
• Improved communication skills.
• Increased enthusiasm and self-confidence.
•Willingness to take responsibility and show
initiative.
• Time management.
• Effective work and social skills.
The students set up and run a real company for a
year under the guidance of a business volunteer.
They get practical experience of the joys and
pitfalls of creating a truly functioning enterprise.
They do everything from raising the initial share
capital through to designing and making their
product or service to selling directly to customers
at specially organised trade fairs and ultimately
winding up the firm and paying their taxes! As
their first project, Newco made wooden Christmas
decorations and personalized mugs. The
decorations and mugs were on sale at a Christmas
Trade Fair in the centre of Carlisle in December.
Page 3
Unwanted
Uniform
items needed!
If your child has left Newman
or has grown out of any uniform
items, we would be very
grateful for any donations of
unwanted school uniform. Often
students face an emergency or
special circumstances where
they need to borrow items
of uniform so, if possible,
we lend relevant items for a
short period. Any donations of
unwanted school uniform can
be dropped off at reception or
the student services office.
Opportunities at Newman
Join Our Team
If you are interested in joining our team of supply cover supervisors or
midday supervisors contact our bursar Margaret Emburey on 01228
404761 or email [email protected] for further information.
Supply Cover Supervisors
Term time only
£8.61 per hour
Exam Invigilators
Term time only
£6.69 per hour
In the absence of the teacher
the Cover Supervisor takes sole
charge of the class, to provide
an orderly and purposeful
environment in which students
can complete work set by the
teacher. You may or may not
have experience, but will enjoy
working with young people and
be committed to maintaining
high standards. You will be
willing to work flexible hours,
sometimes at short notice.
You will assist the Examinations
Officer to ensure the fair and
proper conduct of examinations
in an environment that enables
students to perform to the best
of their ability. Invigilators follow
and enforce exam regulations,
assist in the collection and
distribution of exam papers
in accordance with examining
body procedures and supervise
candidates.
Newman School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young
people and these posts will be subject to satisfactory CRB checks.
Forging
community
links
We have been working with
several organisations in the
local community this year.
We have received free tickets
from Celtic Nation and Carlisle
United so our students have
been well entertained in the
sporting arena. We would like
to thank both clubs for this
generous gesture and we look
forward to working with them in
the future.
We have also attended the H.M
Royal Marine Band concert
at the Sands Centre. Tickets
were kindly donated by the
Royal Marines and it was a
magnificent evening. Some of
our students who are in Cadets
added further glamour to the
evening by attending in their
cadet uniform. The music was
marvellous and the ceremony
and performance was hugely
impressive.
Page 4
PROTECT YOUR HOME,
HELP OUR SCHOOL
Darker nights and the increased amount of valuables in
our homes make the winter months the most attractive for
thieves. Don’t wait until it’s too late...
• Protect your home with SmartWater – the UK’s no.1
criminal deterrent - we use it to protect our school.
• Buy SmartWater’s Home Security Pack* online for a
one-off cost of just £25.00 (RRP £59.88 p.a) - saving
you £34.88!
Price
includes
school
donation
• For every pack sold, we receive a donation to help us
improve the school. So, please spread the word!
HOW TO BUY:
Please visit: www.smartwater.tv/affinity
Enter promotional code: SSR107
Or pick up a leaflet at the Reception Desk
*Special Smart School price for 1-4 bedroom Home Security Pack only.
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School
Newman makes the
school run fun
by Using Two Wheels
Students and staff at Newman Catholic School got on their bikes for
the Big Pedal.
This year’s Big Pedal competition spanned 10 school days, from 3 to 14
March, and PE teacher Mr Whitmarsh set himself an extra personal
challenge – to travel to school on 10 different bikes over the 10 days of
the competition.
Mr Whitmarsh’s bikes included a BMX bike, a one kilogram light race
bike, a girl’s bike, a traditional racing bike, a road sportive bike, an
orange bike and a tandem, when he was joined by maths teacher and
keen cyclist Mr Wrightson.
It is the first year Newman has taken part in this annual cycle to
school competition.
The more children who scooted or cycled each day, the more points
the school earned. Schools right across the UK compete against
each other, with the competition weighted according to the size of the
school, so everyone has a fair chance to win.
Newman was top secondary school in Cumbria and 25th in the
country – out of 76 secondary schools – with an impressive number of
journeys made to school on two wheels, totalling 18,022 points. Well
done to students and staff for putting some fun into the school run!
The Big Pedal is organised by national cycling charity Sustrans with
support in Cumbria from the county council’s Active Travel team.
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School
Newman
students
bring some
cheer to
The Local
Community
Students and staff spread
some Christmas and
Easter cheer to help people
in the local community.
They supported the local
St Vincent de Paul appeals
by organising donations
of non-perishable food,
Christmas and Easter
treats and clothing.
Assistant Headteacher,
Miss Brough, who is
responsible for community
cohesion, was delighted
with the students’ efforts:
“Our students support the
St Vincent de Paul appeal
knowing that their efforts
will benefit less fortunate
families in the local
community. By organising
donations of food and
clothing, as well as
seasonal treats that most
of us take for granted, they
are providing practical
assistance to families in
need.”
The St Vincent de Paul
(SVP) is a worldwide
Christian charitable
organisation dedicated
to tackling poverty and
disadvantage by providing
practical assistance to
those in need – irrespective
of ideology, faith, ethnicity,
age or gender.
Page 5
Homework
Shakespeare
Schools
Festival
Once again, Newman students
took part in the annual
Shakespeare Schools Festival.
This year they performed
an abridged version of The
Merchant of Venice. Rehearsals
and hard work culminated in a
cast workshop with professional
actors and a final performance
in a professional setting at the
Buccleuch Centre in Langholm.
Year 12s Jess Atkinson and
Ashley Hinson took the leading
roles of Portia and Shylock, with
students from across the year
groups playing other parts.
Drinks
Students should not bring fizzy
drinks or energy drinks into
school, unless an energy drink is
needed for medical conditions.
There are several health risks
linked to energy or isotonic type
drinks and these should not
be consumed in school. These
drinks contain high levels of
caffeine and sugar. Students can
bring bottled water into school.
We would appreciate parents’
support with this matter.
Students are given a timetable and a
homework timetable.
All students are expected to do
homework in two or three subjects
each night, spending about 20 to 30 minutes on each subject.
Students should record their homework in their planners; parents
can check planners to see the homework set and then check the
students’ exercise books to see the work completed.
Not all pieces of homework will be written; there will be a range
of activities which could include research, reading, preparing for
practical sessions, revision for tests.
We have recently introduced Show My Homework, which can be
accessed from the home page of our school website by clicking on
the logo. This will open up a table of homework set for the different
year groups by teachers. Click on the box which is relevant to
your year group, set or class. This brings up the homework topic,
instructions and deadline. Remember, if you do not have access to a
computer, students can stay after school and use the ICT rooms.
In addition to Show My Homework, students should write down the
homework tasks in their planners to make sure they understand
what is required.
Uniform Guide
School uniform should be worn at all times in school and on the
journeys to and from school. We appreciate that our students
observe the dress code and wear correct school uniform, taking
pride in their personal appearance.
Our uniform supplier – The Uniform Shop, Atlas Works, Denton
Holme, Carlisle – stocks all uniform items.
•Black blazer with school badge (compulsory)
• School tie with badge (compulsory)
•V-neck burgundy sweater with badge (optional)
•Plain white shirt with collar suitable for a tie.
• Black school trousers.
• Black school knee-length skirt (not lycra)
• Black plain socks or plain black tights.
•Black traditional, polishable, school-type shoes with distinct heel
and not flat soled. (No trainers or plimsolls).
We believe that the way our students dress for school tells us how
much respect and loyalty they have for Newman and how seriously
they take their education.
Thank you for your support with school uniform.
Page 6
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School
Spotlight
On Literacy
Advice for children and young people
•Always respect others – be careful what you say online and what
images you send.
•Think before you send – whatever you send can be made public
very quickly and could stay online forever.
•Treat your password like your toothbrush – keep it to yourself.
Only give your mobile number or personal website address to
trusted friends.
•Block the bully – learn how to block or report someone who is
behaving badly.
• Don’t retaliate or reply!
•Save the evidence – learn how to keep records of offending
messages, pictures or online conversations.
Make sure you tell:
•An adult you trust, or call a helpline like ChildLine on 0800 1111 in
confidence;
•The provider of the service; check the service provider’s website to
see where to report incidents;
•Your school – your teacher or the anti-bullying coordinator can
help you.
Finally, don’t just stand there – if you see cyber bullying going on,
support the victim and report the bullying. How would you feel if no
one stood up for you?
Advice for parents and carers
Be aware, your child may as likely cyber bully as be a target of cyber
bullying. Be alert to your child seeming upset after using the internet
or their mobile phone. This might involve subtle comments or
changes in relationships with friends. They might be unwilling to talk
or be secretive about their online activities and mobile phone use.
•Talk with your children and understand the ways in which they are
using the internet and their mobile phone.
•Use the tools on the service and turn on in-built internet safety
features.
•Remind your child not to retaliate.
•Keep the evidence of offending emails, text messages or online
conversations.
•Report cyber bullying.
• Contact the service provider.
•If the cyber bullying is serious and a potential criminal offence has
been committed, you should consider contacting the police.
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School
It’s spring time! Therefore,
our “literacy trees” should be
beginning to blossom. If students
in Years 7 to 9 read a book, they
should remember to complete a
literacy leaf/flower and give it to
their form tutor.
If pupils are using the LRC to
borrow books to read, please
remember to return them in time
as our stocks are beginning to
diminish again!
Spelling Focus
Homophones
Homophones are words which
sound the same but have different
meanings.
For example: ‘Rose’ as in the
flower or as in the past tense of
to rise. They may also be spelt
differently. For example: to,
two or too. Help us to help your
child! Does your child know the
difference between:
» There/their/they’re
» Where/wear/we’re
» Two/to/too?
Which is the correct missing
word?
1. The brave ___________ saved the princess. (knight / night)
2. The footballer hurt his
_________. (heal / heel)
3. The winners tried to
__________ the trophy above their
heads. (raise / rays)
4. The farmer took a _________
home for his tea. (leak / leek)
5. “_________ are the boys?”
asked the teacher. (wear / where)
Why wasn’t Cinderella allowed to be
in the football team?
Because she always runs away from the
ball! (Boom! Boom!)
Page 7
Staff take to the floor for
Not So Strictly Come Dancing
Newman supports
The Daisy Garland Charity
Every year the Newman student
parliament supports a charity. Last
year we raised £1600 for Carlisle
Young Carers and the previous
year £1500 was raised for the Eden
Valley Hospice.
This year we are supporting The
Daisy Garland charity, a family-run
charity which supports families
with children who have epilepsy.
Daisy Garland was a little girl who
tragically died at the age of six
of SUDEP (a sudden unexpected
death in epilepsy patients). The
family set up the charity to support
other families and in particular
children with drug resistant
epilepsy. They support the ketofenic
diet which is not widely available
in the north of England and across
the UK.
The student parliament is hosting
a variety of events to support and
raise money for this charity:
•The Newman photo booth in
November
•Malteser Christmas puds and
snowman lollies for Christmas
• An Easter egg raffle
•Sale of supermarket trolley
tokens and lapel pins
•Wooden Christmas tree
decorations
•A Not So Strictly Come Dancing
competition, a dancing
extravaganza starring staff and
students
• An abseil on 31 May
On 8 April staff took to the floor for a dazzling display of ballroom,
modern and disco routines in aid of the Daisy Garland charity.
The atmosphere was electric, with the hall decorated, sixth formers
in charge of lights, sound and hosting the show. The judges – Mr Ord,
Mrs Gibson, Mrs Halliburton and sixth former Sunny Strathern –
dished out the scores, offering helpful critiques for the dancers.
First up were professional salsa dancers who made it look so easy.
Then came the eagerly anticipated first couple to the floor – Mrs
Tickell and Mr Deakin who delighted the audience with a mainly
freestyle, improvised routine to Naughty Boy’s La La La. Mr Deakin’s
concentration was evident throughout, while Mrs Tickell let the music
dictate her moves. The judges agreed that, as Head of English, Mrs
Tickell’s dancing was like poetry in motion.
This was followed by head of art Miss Bentley and maths teacher Mr
Cooper who, in sharp contrast, performed a tender, elegant waltz
in stunningly romantic costumes to the acclaim of the audience
and judges. Commending the overall performance, the judges
complimented Miss Bentley’s delicate brush strokes across the dance
floor and Mr Cooper’s distinguished execution of the waltz.
After a short interval and audience participation, the next competitors
were Assistant Headteacher Mrs McAree and D&T teacher Mr Cooper.
Mr Cooper got their powerful tango off to a dramatic start with a
sharp Velcro-assisted removal of his boiler suit to reveal his dance
outfit. Mrs McAree’s ensemble, hair and make-up reflected the South
American origin of the tango. Mrs McAree took control and led the
couple to the judges’ positive comments. Mr Ord, impressed by Mr
Cooper’s routine, likened it to polished oak and not the performance
on a par with chipboard which he had expected to see. The couple won
the judge’s vote comfortably.
The final act caused controversy among the judging panel – was it
“strictly” dancing? Nevertheless, the well-practised, energetic routine
by Mr Denny, Mr Birt, Mr Cawthorne, Mr Wrightson, Mr Robinson and
Mr Fillingham - a tribute to the seventies disco group Village People
– resulted in a standing ovation from the audience. The costumes,
the medley of well-known songs and the fast-paced choreography
resulted in a “best in show” audience vote. The packed hall was
treated to an encore of their victorious performance before the men’s
team collected the glitter ball.
Fundraising will continue
throughout the year. Please check
our school website for details.
Another way to support the charity
is if you are buying items from
Amazon to access Amazon via the
Daisy Garland website. The charity
will receive 5% from every sale.
Check the Daisy Garland website
for more details about this charity:
www.thedaisygarland.org.uk
Page 8
Mrs McAree leads
Mr Cooper in a tango
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School
After School Clubs
As usual we are running a wide range of after
school clubs this year, from rugby to swimming
and crochet to board games; there is an activity
for everyone. Details are available on the school
website of all clubs.
Homework Club continues to grow. This facility is
available for all students for an hour after school
each night and this can be a valuable help to
most students. Help and advice on homework
is given and printing is free of charge- even in
colour.
Achievement points are given every time a
student attends a club.
We have also had free golf coaching with
Stephen Ling who is the professional golfer at
Stoneyholme Golf Club. This club is something
different and our students loved the opportunity
to try something new.
Students have also embraced our photography
club which is run by Imaging Partnership. There
was a cost for this course but it is taught by
professional photographers and students are
learning high level skills.
Some atmospheric images from photography club
E-Safety
Recently we have
heard about many
distressing stories
regarding students
struggling to deal
with new technology and
safety. Students must know how to keep safe on-line from
predators as well as ensuring their own on-line behaviour is
appropriate at all times.
E-safety is taken very seriously at Newman School and
all students receive regular lessons on how to keep safe.
However their behaviour at home must be monitored too so
they are kept safe at all times.
CEOP is the Child Exploitation and Online Protection agency
and they offer advice to parents on their website
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/ please take the time
to read their advice and guidance. Apart from giving advice
on how to deal with incidents they also describe behaviours
which could indicate that your child is having a problem.
This link is available on our school website home page to for
easy access.
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School
Peru
Project
We are pleased to announce that our
long planned trip to Peru will take
place in August 2015. Students have
the opportunity to take part in this trip
of a lifetime.
We will be flying to Lima, then
travelling onto Piura in northern Peru
before heading south to Cajamarca
before returning to Lima for our flight
home. There will be lots of activities
and opportunities for the students
to embrace life in another country.
The trip is in 2015 so that students
have time to save for the trip as the
approximate cost will be £1200. We are
hoping to host fundraising activities
and look for sponsorship to keep
the costs as low as possible. Anyone
interested in this trip should speak to
Miss Brough as soon as possible.
Page 9
News from the year groups
Year 7 - Once again the police
draw on the support of Year 7!
Year 7 students have once again been working
with the local community policing team to gain an
understanding of the effects of anti-social behaviour
and what they can do to keep the city safe. They
used their artistic skills to design posters to show
examples of anti-social behaviour, who it affects and
the consequences.
The finished posters were judged by members of
Cumbria Constabulary and the winning designs
displayed around Carlisle.
Well done to the following young artists:
Tyler Blythe, Charlotte Coles, Keelea-Jay Dautay,
Frances Fleming, Jodie Gill, Savana Heggie, Natasha
Kisieleswski, Lena Long, Esther Pape, David Perrett,
Millie Redgewell, Shahla Richardson, Denise
Rowland and Kaylee Stothart. The winners were
rewarded with a trip to the cinema.
Also working with Cumbria Constabulary, Year 7s
attended very informative presentations on race and
diversity in their citizenship lessons.
Our Year 7s have settled in very well to life at
Newman. They have impressed us by their hard work
and enthusiasm. Many of them are keen participants
in extra-curricular activities and clubs. They are
already superb ambassadors for Newman.
Year 7 school photos are available from
Keltic Rose Photography. Get details by emailing
[email protected]
Year 7s have excelled academically and in sport and
extra-curricular activities; read on to find out what
they have been doing. Keep up the good work Year 7!
Year 8
Pancake races are a flipping
good fundraiser
Well done form group 8NBI who were on starter’s orders
for pancake races this term to raise money for CAFOD.
Their “eggselent” efforts raised over £27.
Year 8s have the opportunity to attend a week of activities and a
retreat at Castlerigg Manor in Keswick. The residential week from 30
June to 4 July, includes a range of events and craft based activities,
as well as social opportunities and team building exercises. Any Year
8s wishing to go on this visit should speak to Mr Merrick in the RE
department.
Page 10
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School
Year 11
Countdown
to GSCE’s
For Year 11s the
countdown to GCSEs is on.
Students need to use their
time wisely to meet their
coursework deadlines
and to prepare for their
exams. In the main, Year
11s are showing a really
positive attitude and we
are delighted that so many
of them are attending the
extra classes put on after
school and over Easter.
Year 9 - Safer Internet Day
Year 9s have been thinking about the next stage in their education and
choosing their options for GCSE. This year there are some national changes to
the GCSE curriculum brought about by the Department for Education, which
will affect the options and our curriculum. For further information about this
please contact Mrs Breen, Deputy Headteacher.
Year 9s marked Safer Internet Day in February with a talk and a workshop.
The students welcomed Derrick Bates, information security officer, North
Cumbria Universities Hospitals NHS Trust, who advised them on how to
protect themselves on line and when using social networking sites. This
workshop reinforced all the work done in school on e-safety and responsible
use of the internet.
A group of Year 9 students took on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates
and court staff to prepare the prosecution and defence of specially written
criminal cases, when they took part in the Magistrates’ Courts mock trial
competition. The competition, which is in its 20th year, aims to introduce the
legal system to young people in an innovative and exciting way, giving them the
opportunity to gain hands on experience.
Year 10 - The Next Step to Success
It is an important time for Year 10. They are well into the GCSE courses
and thinking about the future.
They attended a very informative talk on higher education by
representatives from the University of Cumbria.
Once again ambassadors from Year 10 supported younger students at
St Margaret Mary’s Primary School in a world languages day event.
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School
Please support your child
during this pressured
period. Discuss your
child’s trial exam results
and their targets with
them. Make sure they
have their exam timetable.
Encourage them to be
ambitious and to reach
their potential. There are
many people in school
who are happy to help
and support the students
– tutors, the Head of Year
11, Mrs Braniff our student
support officer and Mrs
Brookes our exams officer.
Students can make the
most of school facilities
in the build-up to exams –
the LRC or ICT rooms, for
example.
Year 11s enjoyed a taster
day to sample life in sixth
form; for students who
are looking at further
education courses they
received information
from Carlisle College and
Newton Rigg. Parents
have had the opportunity
to come into school and
discuss post-16 options
with a member of the
school leadership team.
Page 11
Sixth Form
at Newman
Our sixth formers are showing
real leadership in school. A
group works with Year 7s on
literacy support, other sixth
formers support in class or
at after-school clubs. Many
have helped with fundraising
activities. They are fantastic
role models for our younger
students.
Year 13 students who are
hoping for places in higher
education at university
have submitted their UCAS
applications and going
through the offer and
interview process. Year 12s
have had the opportunity
to gather information from
expert visiting speakers about
applying for university and
student life.
Popular Author
Provides
Inspiration to
Newman’s
Young Writers
In October, students at Newman had the opportunity to take part
in a creative writing workshop delivered by William Hussey, an
acclaimed author of exciting gothic horror novels.
The teen fiction writer, famous for his Witchfinder trilogy, worked
with Year 7 students.
The workshop included an introduction into the life of an author,
an atmospheric reading from his new novel Haunted, a discussion
about writing gothic genre fiction and students’ active participation
in a quiz.
Mrs Louise Tickell, Head of English, organised the author’s visit to
the school.
“This was a fantastic hands-on opportunity for our students to
work with an author and to learn how to improve their writing
skills.
“William Hussey is well known for his spine-tingling, gripping
fiction and I am sure he inspired our students to use their
imagination, to be creative and to develop a plot and characters.”
In January sixth formers
welcomed John Stevenson,
MP for Carlisle, for a question
and answer session. Mr
Stevenson was in the spotlight
to respond to issues high on
the local and political agendas
including university tuition
fees, immigration, British aid
to overseas, civil partnerships,
the environment, the funding
of Tullie House Museum and
the European Union.
Page 12
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School
Around the departments
Let’s take a look at what the students have been working on this term …
Design and Technology
Newman was delighted to put forward teams of sixth
formers and of younger students for the annual Rotary
Club design and technology tournament. The day-long
competition saw students working in small groups to
complete a task using only basic materials. They were
judged on their planning and teamwork, design and
analysis skills, design development and completion of the
working finished product. Newman did not bring home any
prizes this year, but the students were commended for
their fantastic effort, ideas and team work.
The D&T department runs regular extra-curricular clubs
after school and revision sessions for exam students.
Students should check with their D&T teachers for details.
RE Department
Newman sixth formers work with pupils from St Margaret
Mary’s primary school.
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School
Class Masses for Key Stage 3 students were led
by our school chaplain Fr Millar at Our Lady and
St Joseph’s Church, where students have had the
opportunity to explore the building and the history
behind it.
We welcomed pupils from St Bede’s and St
Margaret Mary’s primary schools for an Easter
service, some drama about the Easter story and
sessions in our school chapel. This also involved
the music and art departments and our sixth
formers.
Whole school Masses were celebrated for Ash
Wednesday and Easter.
On Good Friday Newman staff and students joined
parishioners from all over Carlisle when they took
part in a Walk of Witness. The walk, from Warwick
Square to the shrine of the Wetheral Cross
on the A69, was approximately four miles and
sponsorship raised by our students was donated
to Mary’s Meals, a charity that seeks to provide
nutritional meals for places of education in some
of the world’s poorest countries.
Back in November Mrs Radcliffe and a group of
students represented the school at Christian Aid’s
“Fruit not Famine” event at Carlisle Cathedral.
Students also lent support to Christian Aid’s
Philippines Typhoon Appeal with their fundraising
activities.
Page 13
Maths
History
Newman numeracy
ambassadors put their skills into
action when they visited Caldew
School to compete in the junior
maths challenge.
Well done to:
Becca Little, Lucy Abbot, Jordan
Ewbank and Kaira Dela Cruz.
GCSE students have been
completing controlled assessment
tasks on World War II and the
Home Front, involving advanced
research. We have encouraged
students to make use of internet
for research, especially KS4 and
KS5 with the BBC, Guardian and
other useful websites.
Year 11 prefects have continued
with numeracy support for Year
8s during registration; this helps
the younger students to develop
confidence in their numeracy
skills.
Year 8s enjoyed taking part in
a cross-curricular numeracy
project based on the popular
TV series the Apprentice. The
school’s own versions of Lord
Sugar, Nick Hewer, Margaret
Mountford and Karren Brady
kept an eye on the activities.
Page 14
English
World Book Day
On Monday 10 March, Phil Bullen from the OXFAM shop on Bank
Street in Carlisle came to collect over 300 books which had been
generously donated by students, staff and parents. The books were
donated as part of World Book Day 2014 to support Oxfam and
Book Aid International.
A number of pupils helped to build various Carlisle landmarks –
including Carlisle Castle - from the books and kindly helped to load
the books into Mr Bullen’s car.
We hope that the donated books make a difference to the OXFAM
charity.
Students received World Book Day tokens to spend on a reading
book of their choice and a group of keen readers from Years 7 and
8 headed to Waterstones with staff from the English department to
choose their books.
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School
Science - Minibeasts, Genes and Healthy Eating
Year 7s took part in minibeasts
workshops run by ZooLab. After
an introduction into the world
of classification, the students
had a close-up encounter with
arthropods, molluscs, crustaceans
and arachnids – or, as we know
them, worms, insects, spiders,
snails and snakes. Experienced
ZooLab staff were on hand to show
the students how to handle and
observe the minibeasts safely. A
giant millipede, a corn snake and a
Madagascan cockroach made a big
impression!
Students across the year groups
learned about the Jeans for Genes
campaign, a national charity which
raises money to change the world
for children with all types of genetic
disorders. Mrs Nichol led school
assemblies about the campaign
to promote an understanding of
genetics and what it means to be
affected by a genetic disorder. To
raise money for the campaign
students donated their unwanted
pairs of jeans; the donated
denim was washed, weighed and
converted into cash for Jeans for
Genes.
Food education was on the menu
for Years 7 and 8 when they enjoyed
a day of hands-on healthy eating
activities with food from around the
world.
The Healthy Eating Roadshow,
organised by the Food Education
Trust visited the school with their
internationally-themed roadshow.
Students learned about the origin
of foods and why different cultures
and nationalities enjoy different
kinds of cuisine. Professional
chefs ran interactive cooking
demonstrations and the students
had the opportunity to prepare and
taste some dishes from around
the world – Spanish gazpacho,
Indian chicken tikka masala, Italian
meatballs and a Chinese stir fry.
It was an enjoyable and practical
way to send out the healthy eating
message.
ICT &
Business
Studies
It was another successful year for the ICT
department. Hard work and dedication paid off,
and last summer Year 11s achieved a fantastic 96%
A-C pass rate and Year 13s achieved an incredible
100% A grades. Well done to all of these students
for the future. They deserve the opportunities that
this success will bring.
Fifteen of our students have chosen to study
the new BTEC ICT qualification in Year 12 which
is pleasing. I am also pleased to announce that
the ICT department has now grown to include
Business Studies too. Eleven students have
enrolled on this course in Year 12 and 24 in Year 10.
It is all change for the qualifications we now offer.
We have replaced the OCR Nationals with BTEC
qualifications in Key Stages 4 and 5. These new
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School
qualifications are more appropriate for preparing
our students for the world of work and are still
achievable for all of our students. They are mainly
coursework based, but students in Key Stage 4
will have an online examination too. Areas covered
in Key Stage 4 now include, animation and video
editing. Key Stage 5 introduces work on digital
graphics, spread sheets and installing hardware.
More information can be found on the Edexcel
website.
Life is changing in Key Stage 3 too. The
government is introducing computing at this level
next year so, to prepare for this, students are now
being taught the basics of computer programming
using Kodu and Scratch, both of which are
available for download without charge.
Page 15
English, Drama &
Media Studies
Newman Newshounds
make the headlines
Budding newshounds at Newman Catholic
School have been hot on the trail of a big
scoop.
The rookie reporters in Year 9 worked on
the BBC News School Report project, which
gives youngsters the chance to make their
own news for a real audience.
In February the students worked with BBC
broadcast journalist Damian O’Neil of BBC
Look North.
Damian spent the morning working with the
group of robust reporters to examine what
makes a good news story. The students
prepared their own news reports to real
deadlines ready for publication.
Students took part in a lengthy and
informative question and answer session
with Damian. Casey Stewart was intrigued to
know if Damian had met the Queen and was
thrilled with his reply of “yes”. Becca Rowe
wanted to know about Damian’s inspiration;
interestingly, it was a teacher!
Our budding broadcasters were then well
on-track to producing news reports of their
own. Successful stories were broadcast live
on the BBC website and our school website.
They reported on this winter’s severe
weather and flooding, the use of electronic
cigarettes, places for teenagers to meet, role
models for teenagers, Mrs Tickell’s lost cats
and careers choices for young people.
Head of ‘English, Mrs Tickell was delighted
with their enthusiasm:
“The students really entered into the
spirit of the project. They enjoyed making
news stories to a very high standard. They
developed their journalistic skills and
showed creativity and team work. It has been
a valuable opportunity to learn about local,
national and international issues.
“We especially enjoyed working with Damian
O’Neil and picking up advice about good
journalism.”
Page 16
Facebook’s Furry
Friends
by Richard Dent
Katie Tickell with
se
Ginger and Mrs Loui
the 9 , Mrs Louise
On Friday, January
olic
lish at Newman Cath
Tickell, Head of Eng
some devastating
to
ke
awo
e
school in Carlisle,
wer
its
r’s bunny rabb
ths
news. Her daughte
rabbits aged 5 mon
gone; both female
be seen.
were nowhere to
in
unfold at 7.15am
The saga began to
t to feed
n Mrs Tickell wen
whe
ning
mor
the
n and
found the cage ope
the new bunnies and
e in to school
Mrs Tickell cam
empty.
rabbits,
the
h
Bot
et.
distraught and ups
lionhead
er, who are half
Pepper and Ging
had to
n found before she
rabbits had not bee
th
attend work.
n Mrs Tickell was
Later in the day whe
told her
r phoned up and
at work, her siste
been found.
had
its
rabb
that one of the
ur’s front
found in a neighbo
Ginger had been
Tickell
still missing. Mrs
garden. Pepper was
students
English literature
told her sixth form
had to
ell
Tick
rabbits. Mrs
about the missing
ghter;
ol and give her dau
go home after scho
s.
and bad new
d
goo
the
6,
d
age
Katie
the class, Miss
Two students from
n(17),
Miss Jessica Atkinso
Lucy Dent(16) and
social
t something on the
had an idea to pos
sing
mis
the
ut
book abo
Face
site
ork
netw
“Spotted
t was sent to
k.
rabbits. The pos
boo
Face
social website
Carlisle” on the
Natalie Abba an
Tickell with Pepper
e to the
there was a respons
After a few hours
white
seen a black and
post. Someone had
. The
tion
crip
des
s
per’
Pep
rabbit matching
off to
n
d safely and take
rabbit was capture
contact
ica now needed to
the local vets. Jess
who
t
called Lucy Den
Mrs Tickell, so she
phone
down Mrs Tickell’s
k
trac
to
d
age
man
number.
call the vets
It was too late to
l the
an anxious wait unti
so Mrs Tickell had
vets and
the
ed
tact
she con
py.
morning. At 8am
hap
per. Katie was so
went to collect Pep
her two
hearty effort of
All thanks to the
w her
Jessica. To sho
students, Lucy and
Jessica a
bought Lucy and
ell
Tick
Mrs
ks
than
tes.
and a box of chocola
chocolate velvet cake
rjoyed to have her
Katie was so ove
es sure
condition. She mak
rabbits back in fine
re when
are safe and secu
that the rabbits
as safe as
hutch; it is now
they are in their
!
traz
Alca
d Emma Blair;
‘But Miley did
it, so we can too
.’
Teen idols settin
g bad examples
for youngsters
.
Lately, a numb
er of young ad
ult
s
blame their ba
of teen idols. Are
d, erratic beha
the teen idols
viour on the inf
to blame?
An example of
luence
a teen idol leadin
g others astray
supposed to set
recently is Miley
an excellent exa
Cyrus. Miley is
mple for young
instead she is do
adults to follow
ing the opposite
and aspire to be
.
, but
Miley Cyrus ha
s caused an ou
trage all throu
the public eye.
gh 2013 due to
This includes do
numerous occasi
ing a dance mo
at the VMA aw
ons in
ve called ‘twerk
ards in August,
ing’
while wearing
bikini. Many ad
a nude coloured
ults said that the
move was com
inappropriate
pletely
and degrades fem
ales whereas oth
just harmless fun
ers said it was
. But how does
this, and all the
Miley has done
other moves
including sitting
naked on a wr
video of her ne
ecking ball for
w single, impa
the
ct young adult
s?
It makes them
feel as though
the
y need to have
which can start
the ‘perfect bo
an eating disord
dy’
er. It also impa
making them be
cts young adult
lieve that beha
s by
ving in this wa
appropriate.
y is ok and
On the other ha
nd young adult
s argue that she
aspire to be. We
is a great idol to
asked a girl fro
m our school age
thought. “I think
d 14 what she
that Miley Cyrus
is a great role mo
put her down an
d carries on wit
del yes. She do
esn’t let anybod
h life even when
is brave.”
y
its not so good
for her. For me
We also asked
she
a parent of a chi
ld aged 9 what
is a good role mo
she thought. “I
del for my youn
don’t think tha
g daughter. He
is not setting a
t Miley
r clothes are ver
good example
y revealing and
for her like a yo
she
ung singer sho
uld.”
But not all teen
idols are badly
influencing the
idols have eithe
minds of youn
r learnt from the
g adults today.
ir past mistakes
make young ad
These
or done someth
ults aspire to be
ing admirable
like them.
to
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School
Citizenship
Music
After a busy Christmas period,
which included two school carol
services, an end of term Mass
and awards evening, it was time
to look forward to the spring
term. The main focus in the
spring term for extra-curricular
music was the Carlisle and
District Music Festival.
The festival has been in existence
for over 100 years and brings
together young and not so young
and many secondary schools
in Cumbria into competition. It
has also been the spring board
for many performers to start
their careers; these include
opera singer Ida Maria Turri
and Britain’s Got Talent finalist
Andrew Johnson. This was the
first year in the recollection of
the school that Newman School
entered groups and individual
students.
Well done to Benjamin Budzynski
who came third in the violin
solo class and to Garry SteadReid who, although working at
a lesser grade than the other
competitors, was only four marks
off second place. Our school
choir were the smallest of the
singing groups, but performed
with accuracy and musicality
and received many positive and
encouraging comments from
singing teachers in Carlisle.
Chloe Walters, who performed
beautifully in the girls’ musical
class, is to be commended for
her performance. On the Friday
of the competition Brihannon
Strathern sang exquisitely and
claimed a first prize and singing
bursary in the girls’ 13-14 age
class. Holly North bagged a
second prize in the girls’ 1213 age class, and Laura May
Wilkinson came joint second in
the Song from the Shows class. A
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School
really fantastic effort by all.
Well done also to our choir
members Savana Heggie, Esther
Pape, Cammie Halliday, Niamh
Beattie, Denise Rowland, Alissa
Moore, Aoife Bowyer, Hannah
Tomlinson, Kalvin Metcalfe and
Aidan Blackett.
Music clubs continue to be well
attended and drum club grew
from two members to eight with
a range of Year 7 and 8 students
able to play some basic rock
patterns.
Ukulele club has continued to
grow and it is lovely to see more
Year 8’s bring their ukuleles in
from home to use in the class
room.
GCSE pupils are well on
with recording their final
performances and coursework
catch up continues to be on
Thursday and Friday afternoons.
It is important that Year 11
students attend at these times
to enable their coursework to be
the best it can be.
The final week of term continued
to busy with Choir leading Mass
at Our Lady and St. Joseph’s
Church on Sunday 6 April at
4.30pm, followed by a primary
link event in school on Tuesday 8
April. In the evening there were
some extra performances by
Year 12 performing art students
at the Not so Strictly Come
Dancing evening. The school
term came to a close with music
for an Easter Mass on the last
day of term.
In their Citizenship lessons Year 9s
have been exploring human rights
and, in particular, human rights for
the elderly.
Bethany Warwick 9JRE put forward
her thoughts after watching a BBC
documentary about treatment of
elderly residents at a care home
and seeing the footage filmed on a
secret camera. She concluded that
people who abuse the elderly are
cruel, sickening and harsh. This is
her proposed letter to the Quality
Care Commission.
Dear Sir/Madam
I would like to express the anger I
feel after watching the Panorama
documentary about the elderly
woman Maria Worroll who is
81 years old. She was verbally
abused and was being mistreated
and physically abused in her care
home. It made me feel that those
people working in the care home
were appalling and the things they
did to that lady were disgraceful.
I believe that Maria should have
been protected by the carers.
Imagine being one of those elderly
people; imagine being frightened
about why they were hurting you.
If I had the power to shut down that
particular care home I would.
It was terrible that staff would
mistreat an ill old lady who
needed to be looked after. She had
Alzheimer’s and arthritis which
must have been unendurable ongoing pain for her, especially when
she was thrown around by care
home staff.
It was extremely good of Maria’s
daughter Jane to have realised the
signs of abuse. The secret camera
was a great idea. If Jane had not
noticed this abuse the poor elderly
woman would be terrified of people
in general.
Elderly people need safety and care
because they have been through
a lot in their lifetimes and they
deserve our respect. We should
make sure that this scandalous act
never happens again to our beloved
elderly people.
Yours sincerely
Beth
Page 17
Physical Education
Newman Leads the Country with
its Athletics Official education
Chloe, ready for officiating
For some years now Newman
Catholic School has successfully
trained and mentored Year 10 GCSE
PE students as athletics officials.;
2013 was the most challenging and
successful year ever!
This year 41 Year 10 students were
put through their paces training
as L1 Athletics Officials. This was
the biggest course undertaken in
the UK. Training included a guest
appearance and talk from Alan Bell
who was the Olympic head starter
at athletics events at London 2012.
Students officiated at a wide
variety of club and county schools’
events throughout April, May, and
June. Valuable experience was
gained and a total of 1000 hours
volunteering was logged by the
hard working students. Local
school and club events, City and
County Championships and, for
the first time, a select group of
officials worked at the regional
final for combined events and the
Inter Counties match in Cleveland.
As a result of the hard work of our
students an incredible last minute
opportunity was presented to
two very lucky Newman students
- Chloe Kerr and Jodie Woods.
This has led to some surprising
events and an incredible legacy for
students across the country. Here
Page 18
is the girls’ account of an amazing
weekend:
All our hard work finally paid
off when we were given a once
in a lifetime opportunity to go
and officiate at the English
Schools’ National Track and Field
Championships at Alexander
Stadium, Birmingham. We jumped
at the chance to go despite there
only being 12 hours before we had
to leave! In taking that chance we
became history makers. We were
to be the youngest, and first ever,
L1 Officials to work at the National
Championships. We spent half the
night packing our bags and grabbed
a bit of sleep before leaving the next
morning for Birmingham.
Mr Whitmarsh briefed us about
what we were going to be doing
over the two days. We were to travel
down with the Cumbria team and
team managers. Mr Whitmarsh
would follow us down the next day
after finishing teaching. Before we
knew it we were on a bus with a
tiring six hour journey ahead of us.
We arrived at the Village hotel in
Birmingham not really sure what
to expect for the next two days. We
got an early night to make sure we
were ready for tomorrow. A 6am
start and another bus journey to
the stadium still had to be endured
before we would see what we were
letting ourselves in for.
We arrived with the team and were
escorted to the officials’ room
where we would meet the team
who we would be working with.
After being issued our accreditation
we were taken over to the warm up
area where we would be working
for the rest of the day. We were
given the job of making sure all the
athletes were in the right area ready
to be signed in and then taken off
to their event. These were the best
athletes in the country from every
county. It was a really long day but
great to see all the different types of
athletes warming up to try and win
a medal. After getting back to the
hotel we just fell asleep. It was hard
work being an official!
The next day it was another 6am
start. We’d spoken to Mr Whitmarsh
who had arrived the night before
and he seemed pleased with how
well we had done. He told us we
would be working in the stadium for
the second day. Great! It was going
to be live on Sky TV in the afternoon.
We arrived at the stadium and met
an entirely new team of officials.
Lots of them had been the officials
at London 2012 including Alan Bell
who had spoken to us the first week
of our training. He had been the
starter on Super Saturday when
Jess Ennis and Mo Farah won their
gold medals! The smiles on our
faces couldn’t have been any bigger.
One of us would spend the day on
track events and the other on field
events. We made our choice and
headed off to the first event of the
day.
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School
Chloe: I got to work with the starting
team on the track events. I sorted
out lane allocations, giving out lane
numbers and putting out starting
blocks for the sprints. The most
exciting bit was starting my first
ever race live on Sky TV!
Jodie: I worked on long jump and
triple jump just in front of the
main crowd. The best job I had
was working on the wind gauge.
I had to read off the wind speed
straight after every jump and
tell the technical man from Sky
TV so it could go out on the live
transmission.
We both had the best time of
our lives and got lots of great
experience. We are so thankful
for the opportunity and we hope
many more people in the future
can experience what we did for
themselves.
This is not the end of the story. As
a result of the fantastic work the
Newman officials have done and the
success of the girls at the National
Final Mr Whitmarsh wrote a formal
proposal to the English Schools’
Athletics Association to make it
an integral part of the National
Championships each year. The
proposal stated every county should
bring two young officials each year.
They have accepted this in principle
and are now in the process of
putting a national programme in
place. This is an incredible change
in the organisation for English
Schools’ Athletics and should be
a lasting sporting legacy for the
whole country.
Cross Country Success
Congratulations to the Year 7 girls and boys who competed in
the City Cross Country Championships at the Sheepmount in the
autumn. The competition sees all the city schools competing against
each other as schools and the top eight runners being selected
for the City and racing at the County Championships in January.
The girls finished well and the boys’ team came fourth with two
top 10 runs from JJ Smith (8th) and Nathan Kingston (10th). JJ was
selected for the city to run at the County Championships.
Congratulations to the Year 7 students who competed in the first
cross country competition of the year. Over 40 schools from all over
Cumbria were represented. The team finished in the top half of
the schools competing with two notable individual performances:
Callum Frazer-Ashton finishing 14th in Cumbria and JJ Smith
finishing 20th in Cumbria. These outstanding performances mean a
bright cross country future for the boys.
Badminton
Smashing
to Success
The first Key Stage 4 singles Championships were held at the
end of October. Two and a half hours of hard fought singles
matches saw Nathan Morris defeat Ross Slaven in the very close
final. Congratulations to all those who took part and the top
four progressed onto the City Championships in the last week in
November. Well done to the team: Nathan Morris, Ross Slaven,
Fynn Haworth and Joe Armstrong.
Jodie at the English
Schools event in
Birmingham
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School
England Badminton have a new national programme called
“Smash Up” starting in 2013. Newman PE Department hosted the
Activator training day which saw three of our A-Level students
train and qualify to work and deliver the programme in Cumbria Keir Martin, Nicky Townson and Daniel Chong.
Page 19
Admissions
Your Questions Answered
Newman is unique amongst all secondary schools in the Carlisle
area in that it has no catchment area. We welcome children from
all primary schools.
For further information please contact the school. We would encourage you to
visit us during the school day to see for yourselves why Newman is praised for its
calm, purposeful atmosphere, superb learning environment and its hard working,
well behaved students. To arrange a visit to the school contact Mrs Roz Gammage,
Headteacher’s PA on 01228 404942.
Will your child be
starting secondary
school soon?
You are welcome to look
around the school at any time
– just telephone to make an
appointment or look out for
one of our open evenings.
FAQ’s
1We are not Catholic; can my child
attend Newman?
Y es, our school is open to all students
regardless of faith. Many families
chose Newman because, as a small secondary
school (120 students per year group), we get to know our students
as individuals which lets us ensure they achieve to the highest
standards.
2My child does not attend a Catholic primary school; can I
apply for a place at Newman?
W
e are delighted to receive applications from students who attend
any primary school in the area. We are open to all children, why not
come and pay us a visit?
3Do we live in Newman’s catchment area?
Newman does not have a catchment area unlike other local
secondary schools. All families are welcome to apply for a place.
Every year we receive applications from practically all primary
schools in the area.
4Can my child join Newman’s Sixth Form from another
secondary school?
Yes, of course. For further information about our successful Sixth
Form and courses available, please contact us.
Newman Catholic School
Lismore Place, Carlisle, CA1 1NA.
T: 01228 404942 F: 01228 404943
E: [email protected]
www.newman.cumbria.sch.uk
Page 20
Year 5
open evening
Thursday
3 July 2014
(4.30pm – 8.30pm)
Spring 2014 - Newman Catholic School