2009 (October) Colour Newsletter

NEWBRIDGE SCHOOL
SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS
OPENING OF THE CALZAGHE BRIDGE
SEPTEMBER 2009
We have been working over the past seven years on the design and development of a £3.5 million
footbridge. This has been in partnership with the Newbridge Partnership, Capita Symonds and the
Caerphilly Engineering department. The bridge was part of a ‘Safe Routes to School’ scheme so that
pupils and the community could safely walk between the school, leisure centre and town.
The bridge was officially opened by Joe and Enzo Calzaghe on September 9th 2009. Pupils began to use
the bridge from that day and have been using it ever since as their safe route to school.
Newbridge School was pleased to welcome to our school Joe and Enzo Calzaghe, Mayor John Evans,
Deputy Minister for Wales Ieuan Wyn Jones, the Director of Education for Caerphilly Sandra Aspinall and
the Caerphilly cabinet, including cabinet leader Lyndsey Whittle.
Pupils are proud of their bridge and as Sam Brown, Head Boy said in his speech at the ceremony, pupils
will always be able to get to school safely.
The bridge links to a cycle route, going down to South Celynen. Through the Safe Routes scheme we will
be gaining a cycle store this term. With that in place pupils will be able to cycle to school. This includes
cycling safely over the bridge to and from school and for pupils living in South Celynen, Abercarn and
Cwmcarn, using the cycle path to cycle home.
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
Special Edition
INSPIRE, SUCCEED
EXCEL
NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2009
Page 1
M ESSAGE
• Message from the Headteacher
• Newbridge School Outstanding Inspection
Dear Parents / Carers
Page 2
• National Awards for
Newbridge School
Pages 3 - 4
We are proud to be a Centre of Excellence. Our excellence is featured in the articles
enclosed in this special edition.
• Newbridge School’s Own Book ‘The Adventure Starts Here’
Pages 5 - 6
It includes our outstanding Inspection in 2008, our examination results, pupil
successes and examples of the learning experiences offered to pupils at Newbridge
School.
• Quotes from the
Inspection Report
These are just a taster of what makes up our outstanding school. Together they show
how Newbridge School staff work
hard every day to inspire pupils to
succeed and excel.
• Examination Successes
Page 7
• Young Enterprise Winners
• Faraday Competition Winners
Do enjoy this newsletter. Parents /
carers are very welcome to visit us
and see the school in action.
I look forward to seeing you at one of
our many events over the school year.
Page 8
• Maths Competition for able
and talented pupils
Newbridge started the term with a
celebration of sport and culture.
This was a joint school and
community event, run in
conjunction with Caer philly
Council.
Our pupils perfor med in an
after noon concer t and visited
display and information stands
set up for the day, illustrating
aspects such as healthy food,
fitness and local arts activities.
The festival was opened by Mrs.
Perry, Headteacher, Mayor John
Evans and Mr. Peter Gomer,
Assistant Director for Caerphilly,
followed by a wonderful parade of
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OF
CULTURE
year 7 pupils over the bridge.
Year 7 had been practicing hard
for the opening since joining
Newbridge two weeks earlier.
They paraded wearing masks and
carrying banners, with another
group performing a samba over
the bridge. On the Newbridge
side of the bridge they
enter tained local shoppers in
Newbridge High Street!
The festival was a great success
and showcased the skills and
talents of our pupils and staff –
we were enter tained with a
beautiful song from Mrs. Worgan,
Head of English!
• Caerphilly Music Showcase
Mrs. L. J. Perry
Headteacher.
Page 9
• Sporting Excellence
• Celebration Assemblies Years 9 and 11
Page 10
• Sports Day
and Sports Achievements
• School Production Bugsy Malone
Page 11
• Environment Week
Page 12
• Special Celebrations
Opening of the Calzaghe Bridge
• Get Active Festival of Culture
H EADTEACHER
Welcome to our special edition newsletter which celebrates many of our achievements
over the past year.
Page 6
GET ACTIVE FESTIVAL
FROM THE
SENIOR
PREFECTS WITH
MRS PERRY & CLLR. GRAY
NEWBRIDGE SCHOOL - OUTSTANDING INSPECTION
We are very proud of our Inspection outcomes in 2008.
The Estyn Inspection Team awarded the school 6 grades 1 and 1 grade 2.
Our grades for teaching are 66% grade 1 and 34% grade 2.
These are the highest grades known nationally for teaching.
Inspectors describe our school as an outstanding place to learn.
“
‘Newbridge School is a very good school with outstanding features in learners’
achievements, the quality of education provided and in the leadership and
management of the school.’
Further quotes from the inspection report, parents and pupils are incorporated in
our newsletter.
”
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NATIONAL AWARDS
CONGRATULATIONS
FOR
NEWBRIDGE SCHOOL
TO ALL PUPILS AND STAFF FOR GAINING
THESE IMPORTANT AWARDS.
NATIONAL QUALITY MARK AWARD
FOR
NEWBRIDGE SCHOOL’S OWN BOOK ‘ THE ADVENTURE STARTS HERE ’
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
We achieved a quality mark for computer technology in
July 2008. This is the BECTA Quality mark for ICT
(Information Computer Technology). This is awarded to
schools that place great importance on computer skills
for pupils. We are one of only two secondary schools in
Caerphilly to achieve this award so far.
Newbridge has 6 computer suites and teachers use
Interactive Whiteboards in their teaching in lessons.
Pupils use computer skills for many purposes such as
designing websites, producing written information,
MRS PERRY WITH CLLR. GRAY, CHAIR OF GOVERNORS
creating spreadsheets and making their own
& MRS DEAN, VICE CHAIR
presentations. This year our pupils have designed a
‘wiki’ in history lessons. They have worked on this with pupils in year 6 from primary school. Wiki
designers presented their work to the governing body of Newbridge School. The governors were very
impressed indeed.
Unique to the Newbridge family of schools ( Newbridge and its link primary schools ), we have an ICT
pupil work scheme that begins in primary school and runs right through Newbridge School. This means
that pupils have strong skills in using computers from primary school.
We are very proud of this achievement and acknowledge Mrs. J. Williams, Head of ICT for Newbridge
School until summer 2009, for making sure Newbridge School gained this award.
NATIONAL ‘HEALTHY SCHOOL AWARD’
We also gained the national
Healthy School Award in
September 2009.
This programme was led by Mr.
Bool, PE department. The school
has worked on three impor tant
themes to achieve this award.
These are the school environment,
food and fitness in school and a
school health week.
All pupils contributed to health
week, either by taking par t in
fitness testing or joining in our fun
r un. Pupils ran in suppor t of
cancer charities. We felt this was a
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good way of raising awareness
about cancers they need to be
aware of, such as breast and
testicular cancer. Pupils raised
over £1,000 in suppor t of this
cause. We are proud of their
efforts.
The Healthy Schools assessors
said that the work the school has
done for the award and the quality
of pupil presentations was
outstanding. For this reason we
have been asked to present our
work to other schools across the
region.
In the spring term of 2008 our pupils took part in a competition. Their task was to write a mini-saga
using no more than fifty words. Their saga should be enough to hint at a story or a series of events. Or
it could be a story in itself.
We are proud that over 300 entries were put forward for
this book. As a result, because the quality of entries was
so good, the school was given its own book – ‘Newbridge
School, The Adventure Starts Here’.
Stories range from comedy to hor ror to suspense,
showing the immensely creative skills of our pupils.
Congratulations to all participants! We are proud of every
contribution.
Some short Story Examples:
THE ADVENTURE STARTS HERE 2009 ...
THE ADVENTURE STARTS HERE 2009 ...
A DREAM
RESCUED
NEWBRIDGE SCHOOL
NEWBRIDGE SCHOOL
‘Where is it?’ he screamed in her face.
‘I don’t know;’
‘Yes you do, now tell me.’ His gigantic hands
yanked her hair backwards as her head followed.
She squealed for mercy.
‘You’re not going anywhere until you tell me
where it is.’ She awoke. It was just a dream.
As he lay on a ledge of the cliff, the foaming water
crashed against the rocks. Josh lost all hope of
rescue, but the helicopter soared majestically
over the cliff edge and winched him up to its
interior. He thought about how lucky he was to
be safe.
ABIGAIL CRANDON (13)
SEAN DAVIES (12)
INSPIRE, SUCCEED, EXCEL
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THE ADVENTURE STARTS HERE 2009 ...
THE ADVENTURE STARTS HERE 2009 ...
THE MIST
THE END!
NEWBRIDGE SCHOOL
I crept in silently, wary of what was around the
corner. From out of the mist, the striga attacked.
Its touch was electrifying. It laid its hand on my
face and the power was overwhelming. My
heart felt tight. I lay there with the electricity still
running through my body.
NEWBRIDGE SCHOOL
“
Inspectors’ Say
‘The proportion of lessons where the highest grade was awarded for standards and teaching
is unusually high.’
‘The school provides a stimulating setting for learning.’
Click, click, my heart was pounding, my eyes
bloodshot, what is happening to me? Ahhh,
my belt is loosening, I am falling, my grasp is
weakening. I take my final, deep breath, am I
going to die? And at that moment Angharad fell
out, no one with her, completely alone!
‘The range of extra-curricular provision is outstanding.’
‘The school’s clear commitment to pupils’ well-being and personal and social development
is outstanding.’
‘The way in which pupils work collaboratively is outstanding.’
JOELY STREDWICK (13)
‘Relationships between teachers and pupils and groups of pupils are outstanding.’
REBECCA PEARCE (14)
“
Parents’ Views of Our School Inspection
”
Everyone should be extremely proud to have children in Newbridge School.
We are very happy that we made the correct choice in choosing Newbridge School for our child.
I am proud that my child attends Newbridge.
THE ADVENTURE STARTS HERE 2009 ...
NEWBRIDGE SCHOOL
A CHRISTMAS
CATASTROPHE!
Thud, bang, crash, wallop!
‘What was that?’ cried Kirsty to Kristina.
‘I don’t know!’ she whispered back,
‘But I’d love to go and take a look!’ Kirsty and
Kristina ran down the stairs and out into the
garden.What they saw next was a big surprise!
Santa was being kidnapped.
NINA WOOD (12)
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THE ADVENTURE STARTS HERE 2009 ...
NEWBRIDGE SCHOOL
CHASED
I ran down the street. It was still chasing me. I
peered over my shoulder. It was still chasing me.
I ran through the forest, the branches were like
arms trying to grab me. It was still chasing me. I
was almost at the house. My brother had got me.
The school achieves outstanding results in all it does and I am proud to say my children attend
the school.
The inspection report confirmed what I already know, that Newbridge School provides first
rate education for our children.
An excellent, supportive school. Thank-you.
My daughter is very proud to be a pupil of Newbridge School.
I am so pleased that my son will benefit from the dedication and enthusiasm of excellent
teaching staff.
The standards set are fantastic – well done!
JOSHUA EVANS (13)
I’m pleased to send both my children to a school with such high standards.
INSPIRE, SUCCEED, EXCEL
”
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Pupil Views
“
YOUNG ENTERPRISE WINNERS
I am very proud to be Head Boy of Newbridge School. It is an amazing school and this is
emphasised in our inspection report, which shows how talented all our teachers are. We all worked
together for this success. We are a centre of excellence.
Nathan Keeble: Head Boy 2008-2009
I feel extremely proud to be part of a school with such high standards. I know these will be
maintained for years to come. Our inspection results were exceptional.
Nichol Thompson: Deputy Head Girl 2008-2009
”
EXAMINATION SUCCESSES
Newbridge School, led by Mr. Morgan in the
Technology Department, has run the ‘Young
Enterprise’ scheme for several years. Pupils
who take part in the scheme learn how to set
up and run their own company, they develop
ideas for products, learn to adver tise and
promote these and how to manage business
ideas including budgeting, profit and loss.
Pupils also learn how to run a business in a
competitive market by competing against
pupils in other schools.
The programme is open to pupils from year 10. It is very relevant to them since it helps them to develop work
related skills.
Newbridge School continues to achieve high standards in examinations.
Our pupils have learned a great deal through this scheme along with thoroughly enjoying it. We are very
pleased that our newly formed young enterprise team for 2009-2010 won the first competition they entered on
Friday, September 18th.
Over 2008 and 2009 the school has achieved its
highest results to date, with 62% and 70% 5 A*-C.
In 2008 the school was 14% above the Wales
average and 19% above the LEA average.
Thanks go to both Mr. Morgan and Mrs. McCarthy for supporting this school venture. We think this young
enterprise company will go far!
Over the past two years, our top pupils have
achieved 11 and 12 A* grades.
These are the highest grades you can achieve at
any school.
FARADAY COMPETITION WINNERS
Outstanding grades are achieved across all
subjects.
SUBJECT HIGHLIGHTS
IN
2009
Science, German, Italian, Catering – 100% A* - G
Art – 92% A* - C
Music – 90% A* - C
RS – 81% A* - C
PE, Geography – 73% A* - C
English Literature – 77% A* - C
English language and mathematics – 70% A*-C
1,000 A* and A grades over 2 years
POST 16 EXCELLENCE
We maintain strong links with schools and colleges
post 16 where our pupils continue to achieve outstanding results.
Many go on to university and further training, with pupils going on to Oxford and Cambridge University.
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FARADAY
6 Newbridge School pupils travelled to London
to compete in a national final of the Faraday
Technology Challenge. The pupils had won
school and regional heats to get this far. They
demonstrated strong skills in technology and
worked in teams to complete technological
challenges. We are ver y proud of Jess
Sweeney, Lewis Jenkins, Brad Summerhayes,
Aaron Lewis, Ellie Summerhayes and Tomos
Kinsey.
INSPIRE, SUCCEED, EXCEL
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MATHS COMPETITION
FOR ABLE AND TALENTED PUPILS
Our pupils have taken part in a maths project which
highlights the importance of maths in the workplace. The
project was called ‘Think Maths’ and was run by
Birmingham University. It aims to encourage our pupils to
consider mathematics as a degree course.
SPORTING EXCELLENCE
Newbridge pupils regularly achieve in sport.
Our Junior cricket team are currently Gwent Cricket Champions.
Jonathan Eke, in
the Welsh Disability
Swimming Squad, was
chosen in the summer
to swim in the UK
S ch o o l G a m e s. H e
r e p r e s e n t e d Wa l e s
in the 100 metre
butterfly and 100 metre
backstroke.
Pupils visited Axiom Manufacturing Services, where they
were shown how maths skills are used in Axiom’s work
every day. Pupils were shown aspects of maths including
cash flow, profitability, pricing estimates, procurement and
manufacturing timings.
Our pupils did so well in this project that four of them went on to present their findings at the ‘ThinkMaths’
final in the Millenium Stadium, along with eight other
Welsh schools from across the country.
We were very proud to have been asked to take part in
this final. Well done to all participants.
CELEBRATION ASSEMBLIES – YEARS 9
The managing director of Axiom, David Davies, said ‘By
helping pupils realise how maths fits into our business,
they are able to see the skills we require from employees
– and perhaps one day they will want to join our team of
technicians!’
AND
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Each year we hold celebration assemblies for our years 9 and 11 - year 9 as they end key stage three
and year 11 to celebrate their five years at Newbridge.
Nathan Keeble, Head Boy, spoke warmly of his time at Newbridge School, of the friends he has made
and the quality of education he has received.
He said ‘ The teachers here are without a doubt the best in the world. They all expect us to work hard
but they are so easy to talk to and are always there when you need help…… Our school is not just
about what happens in lessons. I’ve been given lots of opportunities. I’ve taken part in many school
trips, three drama productions and the school band.
CAERPHILLY MUSIC SHOWCASE
Caerphilly showcased its young musicians from across its schools in December last year. A number of
Newbridge young musicians took part and two of our talented musicians, Kaysha Wilson and Owain Potter,
also performed for guests gathered in the reception area. They were poised, confident and performed
exceptionally well.
We were extremely proud of the Newbridge School pupils who took part in this showcase, demonstrating
the talents we have at Newbridge School.
The highlight of my time at Newbridge was becoming Head Boy. Through this role I have spoken in
assemblies and at Prize Evening. Our school have given me everything I need to help me in the next
stage of my career. ’
Mr. Keeble, Head of our last Year 11, said
good-bye to them with a special blessing:
May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rain fall soft upon your field
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of His hand
Our Year 9 celebration assembly was an
equally moving occasion. A number of pupils
performed in the assembly, including a year 9
dance group.
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INSPIRE, SUCCEED, EXCEL
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SPORTS DAY
AND
ENVIRONMENT WEEK
SPORTS ACHIEVEMENTS
The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to
sustainable education. This means ensuring
pupils understand the issues involved in the future
of our planet.
Newbridge School holds a superb sports day each year. Pupils take each race very seriously and aim
to win for their team! The school also has a lot of fun and everyone takes part.
Every year School Sports Prizewinners are chosen. The highest accolades are Sportsman and
Sportswoman of the year, chosen for their outstanding enthusiasm for and commitment to sport.
The titles are currently held by Jake Watkins and Rebecca Pearce.
We take this agenda seriously at Newbridge and
make sure our pupils have opportunities to find
out about global issues, to think about them and
consider what they can do themselves for our
planet.
In our environment week in spring 2009, pupils
covered a wide range of environmental topics and
learned about ways they can do something about it. Year 8 pupils made framed mirrors, jewellery and
musical instruments using recycled materials. Year 9 learned about international fair trade. Year 7 found out
about the work of the RSPB and they leaned how to make bird boxes.
FAIR TRADE
SPEAKERS
A group of older pupils looked at the issue of
environment management and did a litter pick
with Mrs. Llewellyn, Head of PE. Other pupils
planted a climate change garden through which
climate change can be measured.
SCHOOL PRODUCTION - BUGSY MALONE
Drama is a strong feature of Newbridge School. In July 2009 we ran a
highly successful production of Bugsy Malone. Over 100 pupils were
involved in this musical extravaganza, with further pupils working as a
backstage crew. Pupils performed superbly every evening to packed
houses.
All pupils made their own pledge for the
environment on our ‘Green Day’ and pupils were
presented with prizes in assembly for correctly
completing an environment questionnaire.
Pupils learned a great deal during the week and
gave much thought to ways in which they can
save our planet.
Our ‘Eco-Committee’ will continue to lead this work in the school, supported by Miss Jenkins.
MIRRORS
Rehearsals for this performance started as long ago as January. Pupils
perfected New York accents superbly and demonstrated
outstanding timing in all scenes. The show was
funny, fast paced and at times very moving.
MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS
This is the first production put together by
Miss Meredith. We look forward to many
more in the future.
NEWBRIDGE SCHOOL ECO-COMMITTEE
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INSPIRE, SUCCEED, EXCEL
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