PDF - City of Leicester College

Winter
News 2014
In this issue
College achievement p.2 – 12
Academic achievement p. 13 – 16
Enrichment achievement p.17 – 20
Community achievement p.21 – 23
Parent and community information p.24 – 28
Be happy,
Be ambitious,
Make a di fference!
Winter News 2014
Welcome to the autumn term edition
of the newsletter which shares with
you some of the wide range of
students’ achievements so far in this
academic year.
At the beginning of the term we had our official opening ceremony where we
could celebrate our wonderful new learning environment. The highlight of the day
had to be watching the new Y7 students, on just their second day, singing the
Pharrell Williams anthem Happy.
This event was closely followed by our annual Awards Ceremony where we
celebrated the success and achievements of our students in their exams and
across the curriculum, including the wonderful achievement of Aranvir Gawera
being accepted into Cambridge University to study Mathematics.
College achievement
Opening Ceremony
On 29th August we had a fantastic day of celebrations as we officially opened
our new building! All of this year’s prize winning students performed a guard of
honour for our special guests, including Councillor Vi Dempster, who had a tour
of the building before taking part in the official opening ceremony in the hall.
Following performances by the choir and the new Y7 students, we celebrated the
outstanding success of our Sixth Form students, including Aran Gawera, studying
Natural Sciences at Cambridge, Adam Makda, studying Physics at Durham,
Dhruv Gohaniya studying Physics at Warwick, Samir Issak and Jayshree Gorania
studying Pharmacy at Aston, Saiem Jalil studying Urban Planning at University
College London, Ravi Mistry studying Natural Sciences at Bath, Aakash
Patel studying Physics at Univeristy College London and Louix
Patel studying Mathematics at Warwick.
It was a fantastic day which culminated in a
tasty barbecue for the whole school and a
wonderful mascot race.
This term has been full of sporting, drama and academic success as we continue
to dominate the city in football and basketball and continue to work in close
partnership with Curve and the RSC. A particular theme this term has been
the commemorations of World War 1 and you can see the wonderful poppy
installation and work from the Y9 cross-curricular project. We hope you enjoy
reading about all of this term’s events.
Finally, you will find lots of useful information for parents on pages 24–28
including our ipad mini leasing scheme, how to support your child with revision
as we approach GCSE and A level mock exams and important dates.
2
3
Be happy, be ambitious, make a di fference
Winter News 2014
Winter News 2014
College achievement
Awards Evening
On 15th September we held our annual Award Evening. Students from Y8-Y11
were rewarded for their amazing efforts and achievements last year and we
welcomed back all of our tremendously successful GCSE students. Parents, guests
and students enjoyed an inspiring, entertaining speech from last year’s President
of the Sixth Form Student Union, Saiem Jalil, then had an opportunity to have
formal photographs taken by A level photography students Ghefar Elbasha, Zinat
Ibrahim and Samaela Rahman.
Radhika Patel
Hafsa Maqsood
- Year 9
- Year 10
Achievement in Religious Studies
Vivek Wadhwana
Naomi Ettrick
Abinaiyha Rajasingam
Chantelle Hoolahan
- - - - Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Achievement in Personal & Social Enterprise
Lujain Dassu
Mira Modhvadia
- Year 7
- Year 9
Achievement in Food Technology
Samantha Tyler
Jasmina Musiqi
Zafirah Nurmamodo
Katie O’Brien
Achievement in Textiles
AWARDS FOR 2013-14
Sandeep Kaur
Kuljeet Singh, Dipti Khunti
Achievement in English
Achievement in Mathematics
Olivia Clarke
Jasmina Musiqi
Neha Malik
Aatikah Adam
- - - - Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Achievement in Media Studies
Sabrina Abdi
Achievement in French
Apirthan Rajasingam
Amber Hawkins
Milan Pankhania
Aatikah Adam
Achievement in Spanish
Jayden Patel
Naomi Ettrick
Shreya Raj
Nikhil Vassaramo
- Year 10
- - - - Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
- - - - Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Achievement in Community Languages
Kavan Naik
Priyajit Singh
- Year 9
- Year 10
Minority Ethnic Achievement
Gurdeep Singh
Chandra Chhetri
4
- Year 7
- Year 8
Niraj Patel
Jaynik Parsotomo
Sandeep Kaur
Tasfia Hossain
Achievement in ICT
Maria Umar
Ebrahim Lambat
Ethan Chapman
Nathaniel Patel
Achievement in Science
Mandeep Kaur
Macy Carrington
Keylan Marshall
Nirmal Chandrakant
Haajer Suge
Achievement in Sociology
Haajer Suge
- Year 9
- Year 10
- - - - Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
- - - - Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
- - - - - Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Triple Science
- Year 10
Achievement in Health & Social Care
Courtney Fowell
Achievement in Drama
Zainab Munshi
Nasra Fahie
- Year 10
- Year 7
- Year 8
Corey Walker
Shiv Navekar
Achievement in Music
Anya Dupre
Naomi Ettrick
Abinaiyha Rajasingham
Martina Masango
- Year 9
- Year 10
- - - - Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Achievement in Girls’ Physical Education
Chelsea McKay
Sagarika Bhatti
Chloe Williamson
Khadijah Suleman
- - - - Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Achievement in Boys’ Physical Education
Uday Modhwadia
Sukhpal Heran
Corey Walker
Anthony Brookes
Achievement in History
Shalin Bhamrah
Jasmina Musiqi
Radhika Patel
Amritpal Singh
- - - - Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
- - - - Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Achievement in Geography
Apirthan Rajasingam
Jasmina Musiqi
- Year 7
- Year 8
Maria Umar
Ebrahim Lambat
Daisy Simon
Antra Vidinevica
Achievement in Art
Maria Umar
Jasmina Musiqi
Shirzai Mohabat
Natasha Watson
- - - - Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
- - - - Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
- - - - Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Achievement in Product Design
Riya Sharma
Charanpreet Gill
Shiven Bhupendra
Dil Mistry
Achievement in Graphics
Kuljeet Singh
- - - - Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
- Year 10
Achievement in Business Education
Michael McCourt
Usha Mistry
Khadijah Suleman
Raahim Rizwan
College Progress Awards
Zoe Green
Shania Allen-Thomas
Emerson Johnson
Nirmal Chandrakant
- - - - - - - - Year 10 (Business)
Year 10 (Vocational)
Year 10 (Economics)
Year 10 (Project)
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Enterprise Award
Zoe Green
Zain Safdar
Conor Tyler
Aatikah Adam
- - - - Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Achievement Co-ordinator Awards
Joyce Avae
Karina Bhawsar
Radika Chudasama
Bushra Jalil
- - - - Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Mrs Chapman
Mrs Bhuhi
Mr Cruickshank
Mr Rowe
Outstanding
Contribution to
College Life
Saiem Jalil
AWARDS FOR 2013-14
Outstanding Academic Achievement at Key Stage 4
Ammaarah Adam
Tanvir Ali
No’Aama Allana
Tasneem Aly
Rukhsaar Bux
Simran Chenia
Rehannah Cusack
Abu-Bakr Desai
Ahmed Essop-Adam
Muhammed Girach
Aisha Hassan
Sulaymaan Jashat
Karishma Jethwa
Kajalpreet Kaur
Priya Khistria
Jenny Lai
Tejal Modhvadia
Dev Navekar
Hetal Odedra
Ashish Odedra
Kausar Oomerjee
Sagar Parmar
Tarin Patel
Tea Rana
Dilip Ratiya
Mahir Sheikh
Zakariyyaa Siddiq
Hamza Sidow
Karampal Singh
Daniel Singh
Talvir Singh
Amar Solanki
Akshay Soni
Saad Tariq
Ammar Vali
Binuri Withanage Perera
Outstanding Academic Achievement in Year 12
Bony Alam
Oliver Meysner
Mohamed Raffeek
Kiruthicka Selvakumar
Sohan Bamania
Jaimin Mistry
Hanesh Patel
Alkesh Thanki
Karandeep Giddha
Mohamed Najath
Yaseen Ravat
5
Be happy, be ambitious, make a di fference
Winter News 2014
Winter News 2014
College achievement
Y9 Cross Curricular Project
World War 1
Commemorations
In the week before Armistice Day all of our Year 9 students took part in a cross
curricular project to actively explore the experience. Each population was off
their usual timetable for a whole day and took part in a range of activities which
included:
• Analysing propaganda posters and learning songs of the period
that encouraged young men to enlist
• The recruitment process, including under age recruits
Poppy Installation
Inspired by the Paul Cummins installation at the Tower of London, our college
community has created their own art work inspired by this installation. Students,
staff and visitors have been asked to reflect on the significance of the traditional
red poppy as a symbol of remembrance or the white poppy as a symbol of
peace and create their own for the display. Many contain personal messages
or thought and reflections and we would like to thank all who have contributed
to the piece.
• The boys experiencing the training process and life in the
trenches at the Front
To my beautiful mother,
I miss you with all my heart and not a day goes by without you being in my mind.
Thank you for all your love and support and care. I wouldn’t be the man I am
now if it wasn’t for you…
• The girls exploring the Home Front and changing roles of
women during this period
• The bravery of Conscientious Objectors standing up for their
beliefs
• Writing letters home to loved ones whilst un battle conditions
• Shot at Dawn; the soldiers who were executed by their own
side for what was seen as cowardice but nowadays would be
considered Post Traumatic Stress.
The students excelled and showed great commitment to the project. The work
that they produced was absolutely superb as the examples indicate. Well done
Year 9.
“I learnt many new things such as what men did in the trenches and how the war
changed women. It gave us a chance to remember the people who had passed
away and fought for our country”.
“I experienced aspects of life at war and learnt the emotional and physical
journey both men and women went through. It was a great day!”.
“We had fun but it really made us experience what the soldiers had done for us”.
Extracts from letters home written under fire
Our living conditions are worse than I ever expected, we hardly get any sleep but
I’m hoping to return to you by Christmas. If anything happens to me mother, always
know that I love you, no matter what and all of this is for a good cause…….
Don’t worry dad, I am doing fine. Please send love to mum and my brothers and
sisters. If I make it or not, I did it for the pride of my country and I hope I made
you proud too dad.
6
Be happy, be ambitious, make a di fference
Dear Mum
The last time I saw you, you were crying and begging me not to join the war. I
didn’t listen to you and I regret not seeing you smile a final time. I regret leaving
you all on your own. Sadly I may never come back. But don’t worry mum I shall
die with pride as I fight for this country and to keep you safe. I know this might
be difficult and I know I wasn’t the perfect son but I want you to know I love you.
And I’d never stop loving you. I never will.
Love your little boy.
Yesterday I was on duty and I failed to see the German advanced guard. The
next person that was on lookout was my old friend Harry. He was shot dead
because I didn’t do my job properly. I feel so guilty because I could have saved
him. No man should ever see his best friend suffer like that and to know it’s my
fault …
This is it my darling, my turn to go over the top has finally come. I keep telling
myself its fine, I’ll be out of this hell hole by Christmas. I made the biggest mistake
of my life joining the army. They lied to us hon, they lied …
Dear mother,
In answer to your question in the last letter, I am well and not badly injured.
Mother I do not want to pain you or add to your sadness but I need to tell you the
reality and the possibility of me not coming home for Christmas. You see mother
life isn’t easy here, but hard to endure. Every minute counts, every second could
be the time when you fall to your knees and join the dead. Mother, please bear
in mind that I love you and my little sister with all my heart …
Evington Remembrance Day Service
5 students from 7CIP, Mayna Kaur, Anjali Patel, Nadia Valli, Breanna Chishiri
and Corey Regisford, represented the college at the Evington Remembrance
Day Service at the war memorial on 11th November. They presented a poppy
wreath, made by Ian Kirkpatrick from the students’ poppies, and placed some
of their work about Evington past, present and future in a time capsule, to be
opened in 100 years’ time.
7
Be happy, be ambitious, make a di fference
Winter News 2014
Winter News 2014
College achievement
World Peace Day
28th October 2014
The launch of our cluster of schools at performance of Othello at Curve:
Students at The City of Leicester College, including
their Youth Council of Faiths, wanted to recognise
“World Peace Day” on Sun 21st Sept. Y11 student
Bilal Bux created an art installation/memorial
which consisted of 1000 origami paper cranes
that was put on display in the Humanities Hub.
This wonderful piece of art work related to a
year 10 R.S. topic on “Religion war and peace”
including the study of the story of Sadako Sasaki in
Hiroshima. This is what Bilal said about his work:
“If we don’t end war,
war will end us.” H. G. Wells
I’m a person that tends to absorb feelings. This
means if I see someone in pain, I feel the pain.
In Year 10 Religious Studies, we learn about War
and Peace. We discuss moral and ethical issues
around this topic. In my last Religious Studies lesson,
I learnt how every battle will leave scars – Sadako
Sasaki and her struggle with Leukaemia; and it hit
me. Sadako was one of the 66,000 victims of
the “Little Boy” nuclear bomb; she survived, and
she was only two. But unfortunately, 10 years later,
she passed away due to Leukaemia caused by the
radiation.
I made these cranes as a tribute not only to her
but the thousands of others who have died due
to war. During the battle with Leukaemia, Sadako
managed to make 644 cranes; and the rest were
made by her friends and buried with her. – I can
remember, the moment I finished folding my 644th
crane, I stopped for one minute, and remembered.
Battles have been happening since the dawn of
time, and yet we always forget to remember the
civilians who died.
The reason I didn’t give up was because I felt like I
had to do this. I’m a very light-hearted person; and
I will always go the extra mile in the moments that
really never require it. With the cranes, it built itself
into a situation where the meditation of Origami
took over me and I actually became addicted to it.
Sadako is remembered through the story of
a thousand origami cranes before her death, and
is to this day a symbol of innocent victims of war.
8
STOP
PRESS!!!
RSC NEWS
The City of Leicester College has been chosen to host another of the RSC First
Encounter performances!
Last year The City of Leicester College and Curve were chosen to host the RSC’s
First Encounter performance of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew which many
of you will have seen.
We have just been informed, because of our success last year, that we have
been chosen to host a week of performances of the next First Encounter tour in
July 2015.
The production will be called The Famous Victories of Henry V and will first be
perfomed at the Swan Theatre, Stratford in June before going on tour.
Get involved in the exhilarating adventure of notorious bad boy
Prince Hal as he swaps his rebellious life on the streets of London
for the battlefields of France to become one of the most famous
heroes in British history.
Hal’s epic journey into adulthood leads us through a life of
scandal, parties, friendships, family feuds, rebellion and new
responsibilities and ends in glorious victory as the once infamous
Prince of England becomes the brave and noble King Henry V.
The Famous Victories of Henry V brings together all the exciting
moments from three great plays – Henry IV Parts I & II and Henry
V – and invites you to be part of this thrilling ride. The title is taken
from an early play that may have inspired Shakespeare to write
these stories.
Featuring Shakespeare’s original language, this production is the
perfect first encounter with Shakespeare’s work for young people
aged 8 and upwards.
More information and details of performances in our next newsletter. Watch this space!
Be happy, be ambitious, make a di fference
Learning Performance Network
(LPN) Update
“The LPN works with regional schools and partner theatres to change the way
young people experience Shakespeare”
Our partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and Curve Theatre
continues and we are delighted to announce that, after a competitive interview
process, the following schools have been selected to join our LPN Cluster:
• Abbey Primary Community School – Leicester
• Asfordby Captain’s Close County Primary School – Melton Mowbray
• Humberstone Junior Academy – Leicester
• Judgemeadow Community College – Leicester
• Linden Primary School – Leicester
• Robin Hood Primary School – Nottingham
• Sir Jonathan North Community College – Leicester
• Whitehall Primary School – Leicester
29/30th October 2014
Year 8 – 13 trip to see Othello at Curve and post show discussion.
Frantic Assembly workshop at COLC with cast from Othello.
3rd November 2014
Teacher Training by the RSC hosted at City of Leicester College
18th November 2014
Titus Andronicus – Year 9 performance at Curve – Shakespeare Schools Festival
As the Hub school for the Cluster, The City of Leicester College will work with our
cluster schools and the RSC and Curve to improve our students’ experience of
Shakespeare and to raise levels of attainment in reading and writing.
20th November 2014
Live Schools Broadcast – Two Gentlemen of
Verona
We have lots of exciting projects planned working collaboratively to engage
young people and the community in the process of exploring Shakespeare.
Some events to look out for:
10th October 2014
Trip to London –
Intermission Theatre Company workshop and performance of
Verona Road (an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet)
8th December 2014
Teacher sharing of good practice –
Hub and cluster schools at Curve
14th October 2014
Year 9 Shakespeare Schools Festival workshop at Curve
9
Winter News 2014
Winter News 2014
College achievement
Attendance rewards lunches
Othello – Frantic Assembly
Verona Road
On October 10th a group of nine students went to London with Anton, Mr Grego and Ms Foster to work
with Intermission Theatre Company. Setting off at 8:40am we drove to London and watched Intermission’s
performance of ‘Verona Road’ a modern day interpretation of Romeo and Juliet. With the setting changed
to a post code rivalry between south and east London gangs the students watched and listened as young
people not much older than themselves showed them what modern Shakespeare could be like. Using a
mixture of Shakespearian language and modern street slang the students were inspired by the performers they
were watching. With a long discussion that followed about the production and a sharing of experiences by
the performers and our students a real bond was formed between Leicester and London!
This was followed by a workshop in which everyone took part: actors, students and teachers and
resulted in the performance of the opening scene of Romeo and Juliet. Then we began the long drive
home in London’s Friday night rush hour traffic and eventually got back at 7:00pm. During the work with
Intermission in this fast paced and jam packed day the students were a pleasure to be with. The honesty
they showed during their discussions and their respect for their environment and people they were working
alongside was second to none. The level of performance work displayed (particularly by Kieran, Kevin
and Mohammed) was superb. We left the theatre with a promise to go back and show them our work
when our production is ready and Intermission want to come and visit us later during this school year too.
Well done to all involved for a really successful and inspiring day.
Those involved were: Kieran Matthews, Gurpreet Sandhu, AJ Singh, Alannah Finnemore,
Mohammed Ibrahim, Tiana Lawrence, Elliot Mitcham, Kevin Monteiro,
Saeed Nur, Sarah Esseku.
Shakespeare Schools Festival
On the 18th November our students will be performing Titus Andronicus at Curve theatre as part of
the National Shakespeare Schools Festival.
Returning to Rome from a war against the Goths, the general Titus Andronicus brings with him the queen
Tamora and her three sons as prisoners of war. Titus’ sacrifice of Tamora’s eldest son to appease the
ghosts of his dead sons, and his decision to refuse to accept the title of emperor, initiates a terrible cycle of
mutilation and murder. And all the while, at the centre of the nightmare, there moves the villainous, Aaron.
Grotesquely violent and daringly experimental, Titus was the smash hit of Shakespeare’s early career, and
is written with a ghoulish energy he was never to repeat elsewhere. You’ll never eat a pie again!
On Wednesday 29th October, Year 10 drama and English students and Year 12 Drama and Theatre Studies
students went to Curve to see Shakespeare’s Othello performed by Frantic Assembly.
Y7 Induction Week
Frantic are a hugely exciting contemporary theatre company who create work that combines
physicality, choreography with the traditional Shakespearian language. The original Venetian setting
of the play was transported to a pub on a council estate in Leeds. This combination of Shakespearian
language and modern setting was a challenge for students and staff to get their heads around but
once it had been established and the story unfolded the whole audience was taken on a dark journey
through this tragic tale of jealousy, revenge and murder.
The new year 7s started at 8:30 on the 28th August, 2014 to allow them “the
run of the school” before the others arrived. As well as getting settled, taking
photographs in their new uniforms, meeting form tutors and their new classmates,
that Thursday was all about the “Be happy” sing off ready for the opening
Ceremony. 7LG and 7CIP won hands down and won the right to open the
official college opening ceremony.
The physical style really helped the students and staff to understand the plot and although everyone
(again students and staff) at times found the language a bit difficult to follow, the gasps and tears proved
that everyone knew what was going on at the end of the play when the lies, deceit and trickery were
uncovered.
On Thursday 30th October a range of students from Year 8 – Year 13 were invited to take part in a
workshop with two actors from Frantic Assembly in between their performances of Othello at Curve.
The two hour workshop challenged the students and their physicality and helped them to understand
how Frantic create their unique performance style. This intense and physically challenging workshop
had students lifting and holding each other and passing performers to each other in mid-air. They
created their own version of one of the scenes from Othello and then had a question and answer
session with the actors where they again asked some very sensible and thought provoking questions.
After this Anton, Mr Grego, Ms Foster, Karena and the students went straight off to Curve to watch the
production of Othello – a 110 minute feast of lies, trickery and deceit. The students (and staff) were
completely enthralled by the production and couldn’t help but show their excitement at seeing the
actors they had been working with just two hours previously on stage. It was even more exciting for
them to then see the same moves they had been working on combined with sections of the text that
they had been delivering over the past few weeks.
Our students were once again a credit to The City of Leicester College and their knowledge and
understanding of Shakespeare is a testament to their teachers in school and the support they receive from
home. To be able to follow and enjoy a full Shakespeare production is no mean feat and something that
we as a school and community should be very proud of. The success of our partnership with Curve and
The Royal Shakespeare Company continues!
Bhavdip Singh Soand
Rahul Chudasama
Parminder Singh
Mohammad Adam
Yousaf
Satvinder Bassi
10
Harry Evans
Romana Hussein
Tasfiq Hossain
Jessica Manji
Sana Mulla
Yonis Abdi
Nia Nisbitt
Kiera Canpolat
Arjun Parmar
Enrique Baptista
Aaliyah Khan
Kareem Abouraia
Shadden Doughman
Kara Walker
Jashanpreet Rai
Aamirah Manjra
Annie Hackett
Kishal Bhawsar
They then spent the next seven days in Science Health & Safety workshops, E
Safety Workshops and Team Building activities which lead to the grand finale:
the Bradgate Park trip. All 240 students, 16 staff and 4 Confidence Buses arrived
at the park on a sunny day on the 5th September, 2014. Good fun was had
by all, as well as explanations on meandering rivers (Geography), and the story
of Lady Jane Grey (History) and improving our fitness (PE) climbing up Old John.
Mrs Nisbett
Y7 Achievement Coordinator
Bradgate Park student
quotes:
‘I was fascinated by the rocks and the Old John
Tower.’
‘It was a long walk to the top of the hill but lots of
historical monuments and animals.’
‘I mostly loved the woodland smells and seeing all of
the amazing artefacts.’
‘I enjoyed going to Bradgate Park because I like
learning about the animal habitats.’
‘I enjoyed seeing the landscapes and fields. I also
remember Old John looking like a cup.’
‘Bradgate Park was fun because we got to see
interesting sites and got to socialise with our friends.’
Our group of Y9 students have responded brilliantly to the challenges of the difficult play and have
been working really hard at rehearsals and workshops at Curve Theatre. The piece uses a mixture of
movement and stylised set pieces alongside the original Shakespearian language to tell the terrible
story. A review and photographs of the final performance will appear in our next newsletter.
Cast List
A pizza lunch was served to students who have excellent attendance in year 7
and 8 – a good time was had by all.
Those involved in the workshops were: Kieran Matthews,
AJ Singh, Alannah Finnemore, Mohammed Ibrahim, Nur,
Lucie Bradlaugh, Aireena Amroota, Maya Dupre, Sarah Esseku,
Jenessi Matturi, Danielja Misic.
11
Be happy, be ambitious, make a di fference
Winter News 2014
College achievement
Academic achievement
Winter News 2014
French Trip
At 12.40am on mild September night, 38 Y10 & Y11 students and 4
members of staff embarked on an adventure to the French capital: Paris.
Following a few tearful goodbyes (the parents) and a few embarrassed hugs
(the students) we set off to Folkestone to catch the Eurotunnel during the early
hours. We arrived in France, near Calais, at 7.30am and muttered our first
“Bonjour” at the terminal before practising our French at the services en route
to Paris.
We may have been bleary eyed, but on entering the centre of Paris we were
soon wide-eyed at the stunning “Louvre”, “Champs Elysée”, “la Seine”, “Place
de la Concorde” and “L’Arc de Triomphe” to name but a few of the famous
sites. Towering above us we quickly spotted the most legendary monument of
all; the Eiffel Tower.
A Colourful Black History Day at
TCOLC 2014
Friday 17th October saw the first Black History Day for year 7 at the new site, and the
students arrived in the morning in an abundance of bright and vibrant colours to honour
the occasion.
The programme for the day was ‘Jamming’, packed with a variety of activities for all to
‘Get up, Stand up’ and boogie down to. The morning began with a quiz in tutor groups
and had students working together to guess who the celebrities were, which famous
black Briton delivered which inspirational words and learning about the black musicians,
sporting and International stars of today and from the past.
existed between the two tutors as Djoey T had them creating hip hop crews and learning
how to pop and lock in the hall. The water fountains were kept busy all day as students
tried to keep cool! Like true ‘Buffalo Soldiers’
As for sports, there was basketball, ‘Three little birds’ kept us informed about the different
games being played, the winners ,losers and those who worked hard showing great skills,
Karl Bown was ecstatic about the talent that was shown on the court.
Now, ‘No woman No cry’, it may have come to the end for this year but it will be back
next year and I’m sure even more colourful, energetic and inspiring, One Love ‘until then!
(All songs titles inspired by Bob Marley, did you get it!)
Ms Douglas
Now, I won’t keep you ‘Waiting in vain’ and reveal the workshops that ran throughout the
day. Just to ‘Stir it up’ a bit there was authentic Caribbean cooking where students made,
Seasoned rice, Ginger cakes, Banana fritters, Pancakes and Tropical fruit salad. What
can I say? They didn’t last long as everyone enjoyed the different flavours that excited our
taste buds. Whilst in music it was,’Lively up yourself,’ time with Steel pan and a session on
writing original lyrics or poems based on the Blues with singer songwriter Mellow Baku.
We ‘Turn the lights down low’ in drama where Victor Richards an actor, poet and director
asked students to use three words that sum up what inspires them and devise a poem that
they remember and present to the rest of the class. A very professional approach was
needed here; slick and polished performances were accomplished.
Student quotes:
‘Sun is shining’ for the dance workshops Angela Parkes got the students to show attitude
and Jump, lots of it and creativity as they choreographed their own sections. No ‘War’
‘I loved learning the different facts about poems and dancing. The macaroni cheese was
delicious!’
12
‘I really enjoyed it because I learnt new things.’
‘I enjoyed the Drama and the Quiz.’
‘I liked making the sculpture and decorating a chair.’
‘BHD was the best day I’ve ever had in school as it was full of exciting activities that were
just amazing.’
‘I liked BHD because it was filled to the brim with exciting things such as basketball.’
Having lunched in a park by the Seine, enjoying the glorious sunshine, we
boarded the open topped boat “Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf” which carried
us along the Seine where we photographed the stunning historical buildings
(and each other, of course!) On disembarking there was no time to lose as
we made our way to the Montmartre area of Paris and the stunning “Sacre
Coeur”. There was time to shop for a few souvenirs whilst practising our
French and it was soon time to dine at the restaurant in this beautiful area.
After a good night’s sleep we awoke on the second day to bright sunshine
which mirrored our mood; we were off to Disneyland for the whole day!
What can I say? Everyone was touched by the magic of the place whether
it be meeting the Disneyland characters; the amazing and intriguing street
artists or being thrilled by the rides! However, all too soon, the day was over
and with a few bags of souvenirs, smiling faces and aching feet we made
our way to another restaurant where Mr Pailing showed off his Minnie Mouse
ears!!!
Friday arrived and the visit to Paris wouldn’t have been complete without
a trip to the Eiffel Tower. We reached the second floor and enjoyed the
incredible panorama of Paris in the beautiful sunshine.
All too soon, we were back on the coach to start the journey home; at least
there were still more chances to practise our French at service stations and to
sample more of the local “pain au chocolat” and “baguettes”. In the words of
some of the students it was “The best school trip ever” and “we should have
stayed longer…” and to be honest… I have to agree with them!
Mrs Dexter, Miss Guillemin, Mr Pailing & Mrs Penfold
13
Be happy, be ambitious, make a di fference
Winter News 2014
Winter News 2014
Academic achievement
Castleton Geography Field Trip
Year 9 visit to the National
Holocaust Centre
So off to the Peak district yesterday we go
With Akash and Taku and Gurjeet in tow
But what a journey it turned out to be
As now you may well see
At the end of the Summer Term, Y9 students took part in a Human Rights Day. As part of
this initiative, a group of Y9 students visited the National Holocaust Centre, near Newark.
With a urghh and a arghh
And a splish and a spash
With a heave and a ho
They were sick over Keith Rowe
To begin their visit, the students attended a short lecture on the Holocaust – the planned
genocide of 11 million European Jews by Nazi Germany during the Second World War.
As well as Jews, however, the Nazis also targeted other groups of ‘outsiders’, including
Roma Gypsies, the mentally and physically handicapped, and many people of Eastern
European origin.
Up the hill they were ever so unfit
One member of staff was worse, I have to admit
Jennifer Joule or Dan Dudson, who?
T’is one who thinks himself young and handsome, it’s true!
After viewing the small but comprehensive museum, in which they learned more about the
Nazis’ crimes, the students had the opportunity to walk in the memorial garden, where the
names of victims of the Holocaust are displayed. There is also a stark and moving monument
to the 1.5 million children murdered by the Nazi regime.
Reading Buddies
The Reading Buddies programme started back in the summer when our students joined
200 or so other students and parents in a marquee at Beaumanor Hall. The theme for the
day was ‘Hero for a Day’ based on World War 2 which was introduced and led by the
authors Steve Barlow and Steve Skidmore.
But what about feedback, Mr McKenna might well ask
They did all, every last task
From Ashleigh to T. Zembe, I have to assess
They all made excellent, outstanding progress
Students were split into squadrons with their Buddies(current Year 6s)and allocated a team
t shirt, led by NQT and SKIT volunteers, as they spent the day on the climbing wall, zip
wire, high ropes, in the air raid shelters defusing a ‘bomb’, orienteering, choosing free
books...etc. Parents who attended were treated to a craft session, a guided history tour of
Beaumanor Hall and a digital photography session.
So back on the coach after the loo
We brought them all back, even Taylor Dean too!!
Although it was along and very tiring day I know everyone had a fabulous day and
achieved the aims of the day; to meet their Buddies, to build independence, confidence
and team building skills.
Story Writing Competition
In the summer, WIT (Whatever it Takes) ran a City-wide
story writing competition along the theme of HEROES.
The end result was that the winning entries would be
entered into a book that will be available in schools,
colleges and libraries around the City.
As a college we advertised and encouraged our
budding writers in years 9 and 10 to enter this event.
We were allowed to enter our 5 best entries to the main
competition and they were: Zahra Yousaf 9JOH, Shivani
Patel 10NR, Rikesh Patel 9MJN, Bushra Jalil 10VP, Isaiah
Allen-Thomas 10JVW.
These students have received a certificate from the
organisers to recognise their efforts and reward them
as semi-finalists and two of our entries PPP by Zahra
Yousaf and There on the Battlefield by Bushra Jalil made
it through to the final shortlist (last 8) out of 100+ entries.
Well done to all of the winning entries.
14
Take the Reading
Challenge! CCChallenge!
Dear Students
The highlight for the students was the opportunity to listen to the testimony of a Holocaust
survivor. Freda Wineman was born in Metz in 1923, and was deported to Auschwitz
by France’s Vichy government. Removed from Auschwitz before its liberation, she was
later interned in two further concentration camps before the end of the War brought her
freedom. Her story was horrifying; yet the compassionate way in which she and other
survivors were treated by the victorious Russians and Americans was uplifting and deeply
moving.
Listening to Freda Wineman was a rare and precious
opportunity for our students. As time passes, there are fewer
and fewer people who are able to give first-hand testimony
to the atrocities of History; yet many recent events make it
imperative that we do not forget them, and that we strive to
ensure that they are not repeated.
Our students conducted themselves impeccably and
behaved respectfully throughout the day. They are to be
commended. I would also like to thank Mrs Dexter, Miss
Guillemin and Mrs Panchbaya for their help and support
in organising and accompanying the trip.
We would like you to read more challenging books!
To encourage you we invite you to participate in our new
Reading Incentive Scheme that we are starting in the
library.
Please borrow and read a book from our bookshelf of
Carnegie Medal Winning Books in the library, and then
post a thoughtful review of the book on Eclipse, our library
system.
Abinaiyha Rajasingam and
Utkarshkumar Patel at the
monument to the 1.5 million
children who died at the hands
of the Nazi regime.
If you borrow and read three Carnegie Medal Winning
Books and post three good book reviews before Christmas
we will reward you with a £10 Amazon voucher!
15
Be happy, be ambitious, make a di fference
Read more and be a winner!
Winter News 2014
Academic achievement
Enrichment achievement
Winter News 2014
Y11 Interview Day
Layton Ndukwu
Asad Jalil
After preparing for interviews in their tutor time, at the end of September all of
Y11 took part in a day with volunteers to help them to develop their interview
technique.
Layton played recently in the European U17 Championship in Greece and scored
a hat-trick for England U17s in their opening European Championship qualifier
against Cyprus, as the Young Lions ran out 4-1 winners. And he produced it in
perfect fashion, finishing with his head, right and left foot.
I went on holiday to Morocco. There were National Moroccan champions
sparring in ‘Jamia Al Fnaa’ - the largest market in Morocco. Taking the opportunity,
I sparred a super middleweight. I was used to sparring heavier boxers in England.
It went really well as I showed class and did not feel pressured at all. This
attracted a large crowd of people. People left their stalls and tuned in to watch.
I had kids who followed me around and many others asking about the boxing. It
was an unforgettable experience.
The following students deserve a special mention as being ‘Star Candidates’
from the day:
Hamse Abdilaahi, Sabrina Abdi, Aatikah Adam, Isaiah Allen-Thomas, Shelina
Bhayat, Ben Byron, Tamar Clayton-Naute, Ashleigh Evans, Sundeep Gill,
Raveena Gill, Lamia Islam, Michelle Maclon, Urvashi Odedra, Ayesha Patel,
Abdur-Rehman Patel, Louise Ralton, Sufyaan Seedat, Faadil Siyaad, Paval Tara,
Joe Venables, Antra Vidinevica, Bailey Walker, Elliot Webber.
‘Careers in ICT’
A team from Network Rail visited TCOLC at the
end of September to give a talk to Sixth Form
students about the huge variety of careers in
ICT. The talk provided TCOLC students with a
fascinating insight into the current ICT industry,
and how this industry is likely to change as
technology develops. The students in the audience
learnt about the skills and qualifications needed
for a variety of exciting careers, ranging from
coordinating Social Networking campaigns to
ensuring that data is kept safe from online hackers.
The team of 3 who visited had all recently joined
Network Rail after graduating from University, but
were keen to point out that you don’t always need
a degree in ICT to work in the industry.
The students attending the talk found the content
very interesting, and took part in a question-andanswer session with the Network Rail staff at the
end. Mr Bhatt hosted the talk in F37, and said
“This was an excellent presentation that
really engaged and opened up the
ideas of career progression
for our students. We hope
to use the service again
next year”
STOP PRESS!!!
Oliver Meysner Y13 has achieved 102 in the UK Senior Maths Challenge –
which means he is one of just 1000 students in the country to qualify for the British
Mathematical Olympiad.
On 28th November he will sit a 3 ½ hour paper solving six tough problems. We
wish him the very best of luck.
16
He was happy he could repay the faith of manager John Peacock with a hat-trick
– but says he should have had four. “I can’t really describe it, there’s no better
feeling than scoring a goal,” he told TheFA.com. “I’m so proud to score my first
hat-trick for England – and it’s my first of the season. It came at a good time and
I’m just happy it’s helped us to get the three points. I was pleased with the header
– although I’m still trying to improve it. But the last goal was my favourite: James
Yates played it through between the full-back and centre-half, I’ve run onto it and
dropped it back and finished it at the near post. The thing is I’m not a striker, but
if I get played there then I’ll do a job.”
Following his success in Greece, Layton has been called up for the England
squad for their forthcoming trip to America in November. We wish him the very
best of luck.
My boxing academy organised a charity scheme called ‘prison break’. This
charity was organised in aid for those who suffer from Alzheimer’s. During the
event we travelled from Nottingham to Leicester on foot. We had to complete
50 miles, 25 miles a day. We were joined by people in the community who
wanted to take part. The groups were divided depending on fitness levels. Some
jogged/ran whilst others chose to walk. By the end of the event my legs were
seized up. Each day just got harder that the first. This was one of the hardest
experiences ever, but worth the cause. We raised a total of £8,000 for the
cause. We met those who suffered from the disease at the end of the event. This
made me feel like I did my part for the charity and gave something back to the
community.
I’ll be fighting in the British championships next year representing the Midlands.
I’d like to thank Mr Slater, Mr wilby, Mr Kelly, Mrs Khan, Mr Cook and all the
other teachers that have been in my corner. The support I get from the college is
terrific! It only motivates me to train harder and achieve what’s expected from me.
Claire Saunders from
Network Rail explains
developments in
technology
Maya Dupre
During the summer I had the opportunity to experience what
it would be like to go to one of the best Drama Schools
around, The Royal Welsh College of music and Drama,
by attending a course in acting and audition technique.
Over the course I worked with a number of different
teachers at the school, including Jamie Garven, the Senior
Lecturer for the BA acting course. I took master classes in
voice, improvisation, contemporary and classical acting,
which allowed me to take my training to the next stage
and develop myself as an actress. One of my favourite
quotes that I was told during the course was ‘acting is
not about becoming the character, but lending yourself to
the character’. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at The Royal
Welsh College and it was an invaluable experience in
preparing me for my audition in the upcoming months.
17
Be happy, be ambitious, make a di fference
Winter News 2014
Winter News 2014
Enrichment achievement
National League
Champions Are Back In Action
Year 8 Boys Football Team Remain
Unbeaten!
The year 9 boys returned back to action after their success of being crowned Leicestershire and
National League Basketball Champions last year. With the pressure on, the boys will be doing
everything they can to ensure both trophies come back to TCOLC at the end of the season.
The year 8 Boys football team kicked off their 2014/15 league Campaign with the visit
of Soar Valley.
A stunning all round team performance saw them emerge victorious with a crushing 8-0
win!
The boys kicked off their first away game of the season by defeating Charnwood College
in Loughborough 71-16. The boys were very professional and got off to winning ways in
tremendous style.
We look forward to all the challenges that come our way and we look forward to
developing further as a team.
We are also thrilled to announce that Kareem Queeley has been invited by REAL MADRID
to play basketball in a European Tournament in Barcelona in December. We would like to
wish him the best of luck for this amazing experience.
Mr Ruparelia
Girls’ Football
Y7
The Y7 girls have played two dates in the East Leicester Football 7-a-side tournament at
GOALS. What was really impressive in the matches was the girls’ ability to analyse and
improve on their performance. It had a huge impact on their results as they drew against
St Paul’s and Crown Hills when they first played them, but beat both teams on their next
attempt! They have now won 2, drew 2 and lost 2 games putting them into second place
overall so far.
Team: Sumaya Aaden 7LB, Jorjia-Rae Howkins 7APP, Rahima Alhadir 7LG, Israa
Sajawal 7LG, Breanna Chishiri 7CIP, Savanah Stafford-Williams 7APP, Mya Patel 7LB,
Simran Bahra 7NRD
Player’s Player: Israa Sajawal 7LG
Manager’s Player: Rahima Alhadhir 7LG
Y8/9
The 8/9 girls football team played their second round of matches in the East Leicester
League. Despite 2 teams dropping out, the TCOLC girls were determined to play to
improve on their previous performances. The games against Soar Valley and Judgemeadow
were much tighter, as the TCOLC girls remained solid in defence and displayed their
newly improved attacking strategies. TCOLC are currently in third place with one round
of matches still left to play!
Team: Manvi Gulati 8RLH, Hayley Upton 8STC, Amanveer Nagra 8STC, Delaya
Kavanagh 8SYD, Sumenvir Kaur 8SYD, Zaina Valli 8RLP, Raeesah Ikleriya 8RLH, Anisa
Nuur 9KK
Player’s Player: Hayley Upton 8STC
Manager’s Player: Manvi Gulati 8RLH
Y10/11
Well done to the girls’ Y10/11 football team for playing in an 8-a-side tournament at
Soar Valley College. The girls were outstanding in their skills, teamwork and behaviour
and were an absolute credit to the school. They achieved second place overall, but did
beat Soar Valley 2-1 who were the overall winners.
18
Scintillating attacking football proved too much for the brave Soar Valley side. Some of the
one touch, pass and move football was worthy of the Premier League and a joy to watch.
The 7th and 8th goals in particular were a work of art, Claude Monet could not have
painted anything more beautiful!
Kian ‘Pirlo’ Fowell effortlessly beat 2 defenders, a perfectly weighted pass saw Milad
marauding down the left wing, his quick feet and trickery took him to the bye line, an inch
perfect left footed cross found the head of Jagjeet who bulleted an unstoppable header in
to the bottom right hand corner.
The 8th saw wonderful interplay between Michel and Mudathir find Inia in acres of space,
his blistering pace took him past the last defender, he coolly rounded the keeper and
slotted it to the empty net for his incredible fourth goal of the game!
Final Score: TCOLC 8 – Soar Valley 0.
Goal scorers: Inia x4, Milad x2, Jagjeet and Adil.
The second game of the season saw City face a tricky visit to Hamilton.
The boys found themselves 2-0 down and 3-1 down but rather than letting their heads drop
they stuck together and persevered until the end. The introduction of Khalid Oday changed
the game. He provided the impetus to get the boys playing calm passing football, they
fought back with top class goals from Milad and defensive dynamo Adil to make the
score 3-3. In all honesty they created plenty of chances to win the game, but a penalty
save, referee’s whistle and several near misses saw the game end in a draw.
The boys showed great maturity and team spirit to rise to the challenge and face adversity head
on in an extremely hostile environment, this was really pleasing and a real credit to the team.
Final Score: Hamilton 3 – TCOLC 3.
Goal scorers: Milad x2, Adil.
Crown Hills were the next home opponents for the boys, they got back to winning ways
with a resounding win. Tremendous goalkeeping from inspirational Captain Nykah and
solid defending from Assem, Ageel, Rohan, Uday and Danyaal provided the platform for
some outstanding attacking football. Jack and Jaidyn pulled the strings in the Midfield and
City ran riot. Kian scored the pick of the goals with a 25 yard curling beauty in to the top
left hand corner leaving the keeper rooted to the spot. Inia scored his seventh goal in 3
games to continue his unstoppable goal scoring form. This was a wonderful all round team
performance and a joy to watch.
Final Score: TCOLC 8 – Crown Hills 1.
Goal scorers: Inia x3, Jack x2, Kian, Jagjeet, Jaidyn.
Madani travelled to City at the end of October full of hope and looking to kick start their
season. They put up a brave fight but were ultimately outclassed and blown away by a
free flowing, free scoring and ruthless home performance. Kian, Jack, Mudathir, Jagjeet,
Khalid, Milad and Inia ran riot. The away side simply had no answer to the pace, power
and movement of this outstanding City side. The pick of the goals came from two blistering
strikes from Jack and Milad in to the top hand corner and an exocet like header from
Jagjeet. The boys played superbly as a team and showed great sportsmanship which was
really pleasing.
Final Score: TCOLC 15 – Madani 0!
Goal scorers: Jack x4, Inia x3, Milad x2, Jagjeet x2, Khalid x2, Kian x2.
Anything is possible for this talented group of young people, exciting times are ahead,
watch this space!
Year 8 Squad:
Nykah Liburd-Hines 8LMS. Ageel Franchini 8PES. Adil Nimbona 8PES. Danyaal Rafiq
8LMS. Inia Herbert 8OM. Khalid Oday 8STC. Mudathir Mayambora 8ZE. Kian Fowell
8SYD. Milad Yadzani 8RLH. Michel Bauret 8PES. Jagjeet Singh 8RLH. Rohan Ram 8SYD.
Assem Shariff 8SYD. Jaidyn Brown 8ZE. Jack Lingard 8SYD. Uday Modhwadia 8SYD
P.E. Department.
More sporting success!
We are pleased to celebrate the success of Elliot
Webber 11KST who continues to be on the books
of Leicester City Football Club, Tamar Clayton-Naute
11SES who has just been taken on by Notts County
and ex-student Che Adams who is now playing for
Sheffield United.
Team: Sophie Hayes 11SES, Courtney Fowell 11DJT, Gursimran Hayre 11DJT, Jade
Williamson 11SES, Shakila Hussain 11SES, Sundeep Gill 11CEB, Daisy Simon
10GJD, Chloe Williamson 10GJD
We are also celebrating the success of Chelsea
McKay 8OM who is the East Midlands U12 200m
Butterfly Champion and last week, at a regional
meeting, challenged the U14s by coming 4th in the
final.
Player’s Player: Daisy Simon 10GJD
Manager’s Players: Shakila Hussain 11SES and Sundeep Gill 11CEB
Many congratulations to all and we look forward to
celebrating their future successes.
Be happy, be ambitious, make a di fference
19
Winter News 2014
Enrichment achievement
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
The DofE Award has been inspiring, guiding and supporting young people in
their self-development and recognising their achievements since 1956 and is
now arguably the biggest and most well known youth award programme in the
world. The DofE Award can be a life-changing adventure for any student. On the
way, they will do their own exciting and challenging programme of activities to
help them reach their full potential. They’ll learn new skills, help others, have fun,
make new friends and gain a great sense of achievement. Employers, colleges
and universities really value Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards and know what it says
about someone who’s an Award holder.
For young people, a DofE programme is a real adventure from beginning to
end. It doesn’t matter who they are or where they’re from. They just need to be
aged between 14 and 24 and realise there’s more to life than sitting on a sofa
watching life pass them by. The DofE Award operates in over 100 countries and
also runs in most of the UK’s leading schools, colleges and universities, including
Oxford University, Cambridge University and Imperial College London.
MacMillan Coffee Morning
In 2013 The City of Leicester College took a huge leap by investing in the future
of all its students and becoming a Directly Licensed Centre (DLC) for the Award,
making it an integral part of the College’s infrastructure. Our first group as a DLC
consisted of 31 Bronze participants from Years 11 and 12 and 9 Sixth Formers
at Silver Level.
Training for all participants included team building, First Aid and cooking, to
name a few. All the teams were also treated to a 9km day walk were they
learned how to use a map and compass and then a practice expedition. This, for
most, was the first time they had truly been left to their own devises in an area they
were not familiar with. Having negotiated the map and compass, getting lost,
dealing with wild animals, farm animals and each other for 48 hours straight, the
teams managed to complete a 16km a day hike with a rucksack packed with
everything they would want for the weekend (including the tent, cooking stove
and food). We now have 20 young people on their way to gain their award in
the next few weeks.
Tejash Patel
Winter News 2014
Community achievement
The City of Leicester College leads the way
with the British Heart Foundation and
Heartsafe’s ‘Nation of Lifesavers’ Campaign
On 26th September, Milan Dayal and his fellow Y12 team organised a fantastic
fund raising day for Macmillan for the third year running. All students were
encouraged to come into school dressed in green and were able to buy cakes at
break time. We raised over £1500 on the day, which brings the total donation
over three years to £3,315.60!
A pioneering scheme to turn children across Leicestershire into a “generation of lifesavers”
was launched at The City of Leicester College on October 16th when 240 students in
Year 10 were taught emergency resuscitation and lifesaving skills. Pupils also learnt how
to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) device which the college has openly
available from the main office for use if someone suffers a cardiac arrest on site.
BBC Radio Leicester attended the event and conducted a live broadcast and interviews
with our ‘Year 10 lifesavers.’
Dr Doug Skehan, a consultant cardiologist at Leicester’s Glenfield Hospital, is working
with the college and heading the project. He thanked the college for an overwhelmingly
successful event and said:
“This is a pioneering scheme and the first of its kind in the country.”
He said the initiative “promises to create a generation of young lifesavers who can spread
their training to their families and other parts of the community. Over the next year, we
are hoping to provide training for 12,000 pupils. If we can teach more people what to
do in an emergency, I believe we can increase the survival rate of people who are seen
having a cardiac arrest from the current 10 per cent to perhaps as much as 50 per cent.”
The most likely ways to improve the survival of a heart attack revolve around faster treatment
by the witnesses whether they are medical personnel or civilians. Over half (53%) of all
heart attacks are witnessed by a bystander.
Litter Pick
At the beginning of October our Environmental Team joined a community litter
pick around the streets of Evington. The following Y8 students did a fabulous job
of cleaning up the local area:
Tahmid Jalal, Daanyal Rafiq, Nykah Liburd-Hines, Baljit Singh, Awaiz Kazi, Nikhil
Patel, Jack Benfield, Hussain Sheikh, Aqib Yusuf, Dylan Ashcroft, Sanjay Sisodia,
Hiten Odedra, AJ Singh, Rohan Rajesh, Prahlad Devji, Hershdeep Grewal.
The City of Leicester College is leading the way in the City as the first school to train and
certificate all of its Year 10 students in emergency live saving skills and the use of defibrillators.
About 60 doctors, nurses and technicians at Leicester’s hospitals have volunteered to give the
training, many of whom came into The City of Leicester College on October 16th. On that
day School staff also received the training so they can pass on the skills too.
The City of Leicester College is now equipped with its own training resources and the
aim is to ensure all members of the wider college community are given this cardiac arrest
rescue and defibrillator training over the coming months.
• In the UK 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests per year are attended by
the emergency services
• Over half are witnessed by bystanders or family members
• Survival = 10% this equates to 27,000 deaths per year
• Compare this with Seattle where 6000 less people would have died … or
• Compare this to 2000 breast cancer deaths and
3000 road traffic accident deaths per year.
20
Be happy, be ambitious, make a di fference
21
Winter News 2014
Community achievement
The City of Leicester College – Nepal
Expedition
It was inspiring and humbling to see the impact that Childsmile is having on the
lives of children and their families in Nepal. We are more determined than ever
to continue our fund raising in College to ensure we can sustain and build on the
support we are currently giving.
8 students and 3 staff from The City of Leicester College experienced a lifechanging expedition to Nepal in July. Following months of fundraising, Team
Childsmile were able to spend 2 weeks in and around Kathmandu supporting
three strands of their Childsmile charity work.
This term we have been raising money through our fair trade stand, Y9 football
tournament, non-uniform day, grub and go and our forthcoming events, our Fair
trade fashion show and our Frozen sing along movie night. We will also have
Childsmile Christmas cards on sale, with all sales go straight to the Childsmile
charity.
Starting in Blessed Home orphanage in Kathmandu, we were able to spend time
with the 14 orphans who are wonderfully looked after by Pastor Kaji and his wife
Binu. After raising money to build a roof extension to house more of the children,
we spent some time decorating the kitchen and dining room a lovely sunny
yellow. We also visited the children at their village school and ran an enterprise
activity involving spaghetti and marshmallows! It was a very creative and messy
process but gave the children a welcome break from their gruelling end of the
year exam schedule.
Winter News 2014
Next year a group from The City of Leicester College will be attempting to
complete the ‘Three Peaks Challenge’ raising funds for Childsmile. The three
highest peaks in Wales, England and Scotland, which are Snowdon, Scafell Pike
and Ben Nevis respectively, will be attempted in 24 hours.
For up to date information on Childsmile, or to make a donation, please visit our
Childsmile facebook page or the new look college website: www.cityleicester.
leicester.sch.uk, or email Adam Wilby [email protected]
In the centre of Kathmandu is the Street Child to School project. We spent time
at the drop-in centre which supports young people aged 12 – 20 who are living
on the street and are vulnerable to gang culture, alcohol, drug and sexual abuse.
The drop-in centre is the first stage of the young peoples’ rehabilitation to try to
get them off the street and into education. They are in desperate need of funding
to provide resources, so we were pleased to be able to fund musical instruments,
sports and art equipment, as well as being able to provide food, shoes and
mattresses. It was proof that music and dance can transcend all cultural, social
and language barriers, as the City students and the street children spent many
happy hours singing, rapping and street-dancing together.
The final stop was Jiri, a small town at the foot of Mount Everest. At an altitude
of 1,905 metres it provided the backdrop for the third strand of our Childsmile
work: the Manushi Micro-finance Project, which works with village women
to empower them to build businesses to support their families. We spent time
looking at the enterprises they had established with funding through the project,
such as buying a sewing machine to make clothes; setting up a tea shop and
buying goats, cows and buffaloes so they can sell milk in the market and hire the
buffaloes out to work on the land. Whilst we were there we were able to set up
a new micro-finance group the Childsmile Manushi Women’s Group which will
provide funding for 10 new women’s enterprises.
22
Be happy, be ambitious, make a di fference
23
Winter News 2014
Meet Our Interpreting Team
Do you need an interpreter (translator)
to help you to speak to your children’s
teachers?
At the City of Leicester College we have our own interpreters. They have all been
trained so they can give the best possible service to you. Our interpreting service
is free. You just have to ask.
Dyslexia Friendly Schools and Literacy
The City of Leicester College is pleased to announce that we are currently
working towards gaining Dyslexia Friendly School status. The aim of the Dyslexia
Friendly Schools Quality Mark is to promote excellent practice by continuing to
carry out our role of supporting and challenging staff to improve accessibility for
more learners. The quality mark is verified through Leicester City’s Special Needs
Teaching Service and The British Dyslexia Association.
Mrs Sarbjit Rana – Panjabi/Hindi
Miss Silvia Bolivar Medina – Spanish/Catalan
Dyslexia awareness is promoted across the college in the following ways:
• The opportunity to learn touch typing skills.
• Availability of reading rulers in all hubs.
Miss Amisha Patel – Gujarati
• Dyslexia friendly books within the library and inclusion.
• All information is now printed on cream coloured paper.
• Promoting awareness with pupils through Form time activities.
Mrs Panchbhaya – Gujarati/Urdu/Hindi
• Displays of pupils work in the canteen area.
• 25% extra time awarded in exams.
• Assessment for Dyscalculia.
• Promotion of famous dyslexics and achievers.
• Information sessions for parents on Student Review Days.
In conjunction with Dyslexia, we also offer a range of well-founded literacy
and numeracy catch up groups for years 7, 8 and 9. These include reading,
spelling, handwriting, language and inference lessons. We also provide catchup Numeracy and Numicon.
Please see our website for regular updates and links to how you can support
your child at home. We also have a range of information you can pick up at
reception.
For more information please contact: [email protected]
24
Winter News 2014
Parent and community information
Mrs Kalpana Vora – Gujarati/Marathi/Hindi
Miss Amarjit Mann – Panjabi
Mrs Balbinder Sur – Punjabi/Hindi
If you speak another language, like Romanes, Somali, Bengali, Czech, Italian,
Polish etc we will bring in an interpreter from outside the college.
We also have lots of members of staff who speak other languages so we can
usually help you with French, German, Catalan, Serbo-Croatian.
How can you
support your child
to do their best in
their exams?
Top 10 tips for parents
Help your child to start preparing for their
exams now! Over the next few weeks:
1.Make sure that your child attends school every day and on
time.
2.Help your child to make a revision timetable which includes
all their subjects and ensure that they stick to the plan.
3.Have the timetable displayed in your child’s room.
4.Encourage your child to attend revision sessions offered at
college.
5.Ask to see your child’s revision notes and check that they are
complete.
6.Make sure that they have all the books they need to hand so
they don’t waste time.
7.Make sure that revision is spread out evenly so that your son/
daughter is not planning to do too much.
8.You can buy revision guides to help with study.
9.Ask them to explain something they have just revised.
10.Encourage the use of different memory aids e.g. writing notes on
cards or putting post-it notes around the house with key facts.
Parents of Y10 and Y11 students
please note:
At your next parent consultation evening, not only will you be able to talk to
your child’s teachers, you will also have the opportunity to look at the revision
materials and independent learning resources available to your child and
will get tips on helping your child to revise and prepare for their exams.
Year 11 Subject Evening – Wednesday 21st January 2015
Year 10 Subject Evening – Thursday 11th June 2015
Top 10 revision tips for
students
You can support your son/daughter by
helping them to follow these tips:
1.Do not revise for more than one hour without taking a 5-10
minute break.
2.Cover each subject several times and revisit each one near to
the exams.
3.Revise specific topics in each subject, not everything at once.
Tackle the most difficult topics first.
4.Revise one or two subjects in the evenings after school.
5.Turn off the TV, radio or any loud music. Quiet background
music may help some students
6.Stay focused. Don’t waste time on social networks and mobile
phones.
7.Reading is not enough. Making brief notes in either words or
pictures will help.
8.Answer questions from past papers, sometimes under exam
conditions, to test learning.
9.Don’t leave revision to the last minute.
10.Get lots of sleep and drink lots of water.
What else can parents do
to help?
• Reward your child’s efforts to revise
• Make sure that time is built in for
exercise and recreation
• R educe the number of chores that they
have to do when exams start
• Respect your child’s growing independence
• Make sure that the whole family keeps disturbances to a minimum
• Allow your child to study in the library if there is not a quiet
place to study at home
• Ask them how you can best support them
• Have a copy of the exam timetable at home so that you can
provide encouragement for each exam
• Be sensitive to the pressure and stress that your child may be
experiencing
• Help them to keep things in perspective
Studies show that high parental interest is linked with better exam results than for
children whose parents show no interest. What will you do to give your child the
best chance of achieving success?
25
Be happy, be ambitious, make a di fference
Winter News 2014
Important Information
TERM DATES 2014/15
Uniform and equipment
Y11/12 mock exams start:
Y12/13 Subject Evening:
Y7/8 Flu immunisation:
College closes:
Please ensure your child comes to college in full uniform every day and with all their
equipment, including their organiser. Students who are not in uniform will be required to
go home and change or work in the Behaviour Support Unit for the day.
Hair, make-up and jewellery should be appropriate for college. If students are wearing
anything deemed inappropriate e.g. large hoops, dangling earrings, prominent piercings,
large belts etc. they will be asked to remove it. Students are NOT allowed to wear
hooded tops to school. If they do, these will be confiscated.
Autumn Term 2014
Spring Term 2015
Please note you are now be able to buy uniform for students at The City of Leicester
College from Uniform Direct’s new shop in the centre of Leicester, on Humberstone Gate
next to Sainsbury’s. The shop offers good access for parents as it is on a bus route
from Evington and is also very close to the Clock Tower and other shops in the centre of
Leicester.
Teacher training day:
College opens for students:
Y10/13 mock exams start:
Y11 Subject Evening
Half term:
College opens for students:
Y9 Option Evening
Student Review Day
Y8 Subject Evening
College closes:
Uniform can still be purchased on line at www.uniform-direct.com or by telephoning
Uniform Direct on 01522 510016.
Summer Term 2015
Uniform Direct
Mobile Phones
Please note, if students need, or choose, to bring a phone into college they do so at their
own risk.
Punctuality
Please support your child’s learning by ensuring they attend college regularly and arrive at
college, and into lessons, on time. Students who arrive late cause significant disruption to
their own, and others’, learning. The bell goes at 8.25am – if students are late to college
twice in a week, they are required to do a 40 minute detention after college with their
Achievement Co-ordinator.
Holidays
Holidays should not be taken during term time. Permission will only be considered in
exceptional circumstances, at the Headteacher’s discretion, and only if:
1. Your child’s attendance is above 95%
2. Your flight tickets are made available on request
3. Your child is up to date with coursework and homework
4. Holiday forms must be submitted at least 2 weeks before proposed holiday.
Unauthorised holidays may result in the issue of a penalty notice by the educational
welfare service.
Counselling Service in College
If you are not yet aware, we do have a counselling service available for students in
college. If you think your child would benefit from receiving counselling, please contact
Karena on: [email protected].
Please see our website: www.cityleicester.leicester.sch.uk for all up to date information.
26
Winter News 2014
Parent and community information
College opens for students:
Half term:
College opens for students:
Y10 Subject Evening
Activities week
College closes:
Monday 8th December
Thursday 11th December
Friday 12th December
Friday 19th December
Monday 5th January
Tuesday 6th January
Wednesday 7th January
Wednesday 21st January
Monday 16th – Friday 20th February
Monday 23rd February
Wednesday 4th March
Thursday 12th March
Tuesday 24th March
Friday 27th March
Monday 13th April
Monday 25th – Friday 29th May
Monday 1st June
Thursday 11th June
Mon 6th July
Friday 10th July
Homework timetables
New 1-to-1 iPad-mini Scheme –
Now starting for Year 9!
The scheme is currently optional and only devices purchased through this scheme
will be allowed in school. For e-Safety, the devices will have Mobile Device
Management (MDM) software pre-installed, and all traffic will pass through our
College web-filtering, even when used outside school.
The TCOLC 1-to-1 iPad mini Scheme has commenced! Over 100 of our Y9
students now have their own iPad-mini that they can use in school and take home
with them at the end of the day. This is around two-thirds of the year group, so the
scheme is off to a fantastic start.
Parents will be offered the choice to either restrict their child’s device to our
preselected apps for learning, or opt for a more open setup where students
are able to install their own age-appropriate apps, allowing both educational
and leisure use. However, Parents will need to take responsibility for what their
children are installing whilst at home and the College reserves the right to remove
certain apps, features or content or to restrict devices in the case of inappropriate
use within the College.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
The scheme costs £170 to join, which can be paid all at once or as a £50
deposit followed by 6 monthly payments of £20. Students who join the scheme
receive an iPad-mini pre-installed with all the apps required for the classroom,
a case and one year’s insurance against accidental damage and theft. It has
proved extremely popular with our Y9 parents and we will be inviting other year
groups to join the scheme over the coming months.
English
IT
Languages
Science
Maths
Timeline for Implementation:
In response to parental requests, all students in Y7, 8 and 9 have been given a
homework timetable. Below is an example of what the timetable should look like:
Week one
Geography
Week two
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
English
History
Languages
Science
Maths
P.S Enterprise
Music
Drama
Religious
Studies
+ one piece of homework from Art and Design every two weeks.
Please check your child’s organiser every week to ensure they are receiving regular
homework. If you have any concerns, please contact your child’s form tutor.
Year Group
Timeline
Current Year 9s
Autumn 2014
Current Year 7s
Spring 2015
Current Year 8s
Autumn 2015
Current Year 6s
Spring 2016
Current Year 5s
Autumn 2016
Y9 students who missed out on the scheme this term will be given a second
opportunity to join when we start rolling out to Y7 in the spring term. Our vision
is that by the time the current Y5s join us in Autumn 2016, The City of Leicester
College will be fully one-to-one, with every student having their own device.
Once the £170 has been paid, there will be no further payments required, other
than a renewal fee of around £10 if you would like to extend the insurance policy
for a further year. The devices are school property whilst the student remains at
the College. However, when they graduate or leave to join another school,
they will take the device with them and full ownership will be transferred from
the College to the parents/guardians. Our MDM software will be removed and
students are free to use the device as they wish.
In the next issue, I will share some of the exciting things our Year 9s have been
doing with these devices in school and how it is transforming their learning
experience both in the classroom and also whilst working independently at home.
You can contact me directly at [email protected] and or out more
about our current iPad-mini project with 8ABT at http://madaboutipads.
wordpress.com
Tony Tompkins, College Leader – New Technology
27
Be happy, be ambitious, make a di fference
Winter News 2014
Hire TCOLC!
Monday-Friday 5pm-10pm
Saturday & Sunday 8am – 11pm
Main hall capacity 300 seated
Activities /drama studios
Dining/cafe
Ampitheatre/muga
Further details
Please contact j sterland
[email protected]
Tel 0116 2413984