October 2016

CHARLTON SCHOOL A Flying Start to the Year It only seems like yesterday that I was writing my introductory newsletter article to you and now we are already fast approaching the end of our first half-term.

In this issue  Pioneering Y7’s  House News  Macmillan fundraising  ...plus much more!

We are still awaiting confirmation as a school on how our last cohort of students’ achievement and progress compared to others locally and Nationally (validated data will not be published until January 2017). Nevertheless, we remain proud of their achievements and are expecting them to have performed broadly in line with the National average. The one statistic that the school is thrilled with is that all students went on to access appropriate further education courses and to our knowledge, all bar one student, remain on these courses now.

As part of our “Both the Local Authority ongoing drive for school and Executive Board were improvement, very impressed with the we invited the Local Authority knowledge we showed and our own of our data and our plans Executive Board to analyse our for the future.” whole school and subject performance data with all of our Heads of Curriculum presenting their outcomes from the summer and improvement plans for this year. Both the Local Authority and Executive Board were very impressed with the knowledge we showed of our data and our plans for the future. We have invited the Local Authority to complete a review of teaching and learning the first week after half-term and are confident we will be able to share more positive news with you following this.

Mr A McNaughton Principal

Our preparations for conversion to an academy with Interserve Academies Trust are still ongoing. We are awaiting news that the land the

“It has been noted by visitors to the school how much smarter students appear.” new school has been built on has been transferred back to Local Authority ownership from its previous tenants (BRJ school), so that it can be signed over to Interserve. Our Executive Board, the Local Authority and Interserve are all working hard to make this happen as soon as possible and we should have a further update shortly. I hope you agree the introduction of blazers has transformed the appearance of our students in all year groups. It has been noted by visitors to the school how much smarter students appear. It is expected that students should be wearing their blazers, or jumpers for those who ...continued over

A Flying Start... did not opt for the blazer in years 8 to 11, around school at all times and so please ensure they have it with them every day. We remain vigilant with uniform at all times and are currently working to ensure consistency of appearance in regards to appropriate lengths of ties and skirts! It has also been noted by visitors and students how smart the staff are looking, as mentioned previously, I have extremely high expectations of them too, and a new staff dress code was introduced this year to ensure we look as smart as our students!

“Another major focus for us has been to improve communication with parents.” Another major focus for us has been to improve communication with parents. On our training day on the first day back, I introduced my expectations that all telephone calls should be returned within 24 hours and all emails within 48 hours, even if this first communication is to simply acknowledge the call or email to allow for further information to be gathered. For the most I have received positive feedback that communication has improved, although I am still aware at times this has not been the case. We will continue to work together to ensure that effective communication with parents becomes common place across the school. It is also my intention to launch a Principal’s blog later in the year to be able to more frequently update you with school activities and will be seeking your views further about the school through a parent/carer survey.

Over the summer a significant amount of rebuilding took place in regards to our ICT infrastructure with Telford and Wrekin. This has meant that at times services such as Show My Homework have not run as smoothly as we would have liked. Our ICT team are now confident that all systems are running appropriately again, so please encourage students to be checking this regularly, as completion of homework is not deemed optional. With my desire for students to take full advantage of the wider opportunities available to them, they have wholeheartedly thrown themselves into the many sporting, expressive arts and inter-house activities that have been on offer this half-term. We have competed in over thirty sporting fixtures already, within the region of three hundred students engaging in these and many more taking part recreationally. Over one hundred and fifty students auditioned or signed up for stage crew roles for this year’s school show “Hairspray” which promises to be another spectacular performance in our new stunning main hall. We have relaunched our house system since moving to the new site, with many activities and events being put on for students to engage with. The highlight for me this half-term was Charlton does Bake Off! I have to say the cakes were stunning and it seemed a shame to have to eat them, but it was for a very worthy cause in respect of our Macmillan coffee morning. Those of you that drop your child off to school by car will be aware of how busy our site can get and I seek your patience during those peak times, especially at the end of the day. I also seek your cooperation by asking parents not to park on pavements, either on or off site and to show consideration

to our neighbours by not blocking access to their drives. I have received several emails and messages from parents complimenting the school on the improved behaviour and attitude to learning of our students. Mr Denfhy launched our new whole school behaviour system last year and the move to our new site has certainly helped in this matter. I make no apologies that we have adopted a very strict policy with behaviour and will not let students disrupt the learning of others. Most students are rising to these expectations and we will continue to work with parents and carers where this is not the case.

“High performing schools succeed due to the partnership between school, children and families.” I am excited by the progress the school continues to make and the pace of it at this time but am also very aware that high performing schools succeed due to the partnership between school, children and families, with all of us working hard to achieve the common goal of the best possible outcomes for all our students. We will certainly not rest until we restore our good school judgement on our way to being an outstanding school in the future. This responsibility lies on the shoulders of many not the few and we all must think if we need to work harder or if we need to work smarter to achieve this. I look forward to continuing to work with you all on our journey.

Portrait Drawing Workshop

Year 11’s took part in a portrait drawing workshop with resident artist John Denaro. The students have used a mixture of charcoal and soft pastels to create these fantastic portraiture works. Most students have completed the portraits, however there are still some works in progress.

Year 7 Residential at the Pioneer Centre

Year 7 students visited the Pioneer Centre at Cleobury Mortimer from the 5th October to 7th October for their transition residential. The aim is to give a further opportunity for those students who are new to the school to meet with new friends and challenge themselves and others within a range of activities. The residential has been an integral part of the transition program for many years, and for those older students reading I am sure you will look back with many fond memories.

throughout the three days was amazing to see and captured the ethos of the school which will see all students thorough the challenges ahead. For all students, particularly when looking at the activities involved, I am sure that across the three days there were mixed emotions; excitement, apprehension, fear, joy; just to name a few.

The whole group were amazing in the way that they responded to the challenges set, with a true sense of togetherness throughout. The support and encouragement given

In discussion with the activity organizers they talked about providing certain certificates for individual students as a result of what they had achieved. For me

Speaking to students on arrival back in school it is obvious a great time was had by all.

however, the most important thing would be for each student to consider what their own personal goal and achievement was and for every student to receive an award for that which is a success for them. I would like to thank all of those who support the residential trip for their hard work and commitment, but most of all the students involved for being great ambassadors for our school community. We look forward to working with all of those in year 7 as we move forward and sharing the many future successes. Mr Tristham

(Right) The Pioneer Centre is set in beautiful countryside on the edge of the ancient Wyre Forest. Its 25 acre grassland site is surrounded by trees with small areas of woodland at one end, with space for basketball, football, volleyball and 19 full-on adrenaline adventure activities, including climbing and abseiling, indoor caving and high ropes courses.

During the three days, students took part in nine activities, and two evening activity sessions. Some of the activities included climbing, abseiling, fencing, low ropes, search and rescue challenge, big bounce.

Charlton School Library supports and encourages readers and learners of all ages. Mrs Jones and her team of student and parent librarians welcome all to the Library students and staff alike. We are open breaks and lunchtimes every day and after school until 4.30pm Mondays to Thursdays, and until 3.30pm on Fridays.

Library fact As a school we run the Accelerated Reader programme for students across Years, 7, 8 and 9.

Students who wish to visit the library will have to ask duty staff who will then give them access to the library on the middle floor. Students may borrow up to three fiction and three nonfiction books at a time and books are loaned out for a period of two weeks. If a student needs a book for longer, then it may be renewed for a further two weeks. Please encourage your child to return books on their due date or renew if they need the book a little longer.

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED Would you like to help out in our school library as a volunteer? I am looking for volunteers to help in the library from 12.30pm to help cover the lunchtime periods. If you are interested, then please contact school reception on 01952 386800 and leave your name and contact details. I will then contact you to make arrangements to meet and discuss availability. All candidates would be required to have a DBS check.

Mrs J Jones Librarian

Library fact Since students joined us in June we have loaned out 2,368 books to 21st September.We have 176 loans overdue. Books should only be returned via the Book Return Box. If a book is lost or damaged a replacement must be paid for, please speak to Mrs Jones first. If you have a favourite author or hobby/topic, then please let us know. If we do not have the books that you require, and if sufficient funds are available, Mrs Jones will do her best to buy what you would like.

Library fact You can come and use our computers! We cannot do your homework for you, but will offer advice if you need it.

WHAT IS THE

54 Years Commemorative Book The Charlton School Commemorative Book is now available for purchase from Reception, priced £7.50. If you have already paid please give your name upon collection. If you would also like to purchase a commemorative pen (£1.50 each) or mug (£5 each) these are also available from Reception. Many thanks to all those who have helped contribute to the book and for sending artifacts and memories for us all to enjoy. Miss Littleford

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Axiom Club

Axiom Club has been especially created for those students who struggle and feel they do not fit into any friendship groups in school. The relaxed atmosphere allows students to develop friendships and share their experiences with kids who are just like them and not feel that they are different in any way! Being a part of the club gives students the opportunity to express themselves in an environment where they know they will not be judged or be seen as being ‘different’ from their peers. Our club is unique, we aim to help students move forward in the transition to adulthood in a positive and supportive way. Mrs Davies and Mrs Swan

House Points In recent House Assemblies I spoke to students about House Points. Students were informed that they could receive House Points for both academic and extra-curricular effort. This year we wish to award individual Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates as well as collective House Awards. Academic effort We are promoting a consistent approach from teaching staff with regard to House Points. In lessons, a teacher would look to reward a House Point for the following things:  good written task  good homework  sustained high level of effort in class  encouraging progress during current unit of work  good independent study  good contribution to group work  good practical task  good presentation

Extra-curricular effort House Points will be awarded to all students taking part in sports clubs and teams, expressive arts events and other extra-curricular activities. Awarding of Bronze, Silver and Gold Certificates Once the totals start to accumulate we will celebrate individual and House successes in assemblies:  Bronze in House Assembly from House Leaders  Silver in House Assembly from the Senior Leadership Team with House Leaders  Gold in Full School Assembly  Leading House tallies in Full School Assembly I hope that you will agree that by positively recognising effort, commitment and participation we can reward students consistently. We will, of course, continue to utilise other ways of recognising success such as postcards and phone calls home, which are equally important. Mr Farmer

Services at Princess Royal Hospital under threat of closure NHS bosses plan to move the new Women & Children’s Centre and A&E services away from Telford to Shrewsbury - but Telford & Wrekin Council believes this makes no sense. The £28 million Women & Children’s Centre was opened just two years ago and the PRH was chosen due to Telford & Wrekin being one of the fastest growing areas in the region. Retaining full A&E services is also seen as crucial to the area. The Council is urging people to join them in the fight to keep these essential services in Telford and are urging people to join its campaign by pledging their support online at www.prh4me.co.uk. It takes just a couple of minutes to do and shows that we all stand together in our desire to keep both the children’s services and A&E at PRH.

Nearly 12,000 people have already pledged their support, and the Council firmly believes that by working together with Telford residents they can make the voice of the people who use the services of PRH clearly heard.

House Harvest Display Results: Hawthorne

Winner - Presentation Willow

Winner - Teamwork

Are you struggling to complete homework and need support?

Drama Club Come along and be a part of the newest club at Charlton School!

Why not join Mrs Swan and Mrs Davies on a Thursday after school at Homework Club?

When: Every Wednesday lunchtime

Time: 3.15-4.15pm

Where: Drama Studio (DR1)

Location: Nurture Room (NU4) on the 2nd floor

Time: 1.00-1.30pm

Easy Chicken and Pea Risotto

Sam’s Achievement

This cheap risotto is quick and easy because all the stock goes in at once. It's also brilliant for using up leftovers.

Congratulations to Sam Jones (previous year 11, pictured below) on achieving his Level 1 Award in Personal Development and Employability Skills, from the Prince’s Trust.

Preparation time: less than 30 mins Cooking time: 10 to 30 mins Serves: 4

Ingredients 2 tbsp mild olive oil or sunflower oil 1 onion, cut in half, coarsely grated 2 garlic cloves, grated 250g/9oz arborio risotto rice 100ml/3½fl oz white wine, dry vermouth or water 1 litre/1¾ pints chicken stock, made with 1 stock cube 250g/9oz cooked leftover chicken, skin removed, cut into small pieces 200g/7oz frozen peas 75g/2¾oz Grana Padano or other hard Italian-style cheese, finely grated 25g/1oz butter freshly ground black pepper

Method

Source - BBC Food / Recipes / bbc.co.uk

1. Heat the oil in a large, non-stick saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and just beginning to colour. 2. Add the risotto rice to the pan and stir well for 30-40 seconds, until the oil has coated the grains of rice. 3. Pour in half of the wine and allow to bubble for 30-40 seconds, then add all of the stock and bring to the boil, stirring well. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is almost tender and the risotto is creamy in appearance. 4. Stir in the remaining wine, the chicken and the frozen peas, then continue to cook, stirring constantly, for a further 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken and peas are heated through and the rice is tender with a slight bite. 5. Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in the butter and cheese. Season with black pepper. Cover the pan with a lid and set aside for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe tips Grana Padano Adding half of the cheese is similar in wine towards the taste and style to Parmesan end of the cooking time but it costs half as much, adds to the flavour of the perfect for those on a finished dish. budget.

Even though all of the stock is added at once, it is still important to stir the risotto regularly as it cooks to achieve a creamy texture.

Sam was one of six students who undertook the nationally recognised qualification, aimed at progressing students into further education and employment. This year an increased number will be completing the qualification, taking part in activities such as planning and cooking a healthy meal; carrying out a community project; and growing vegetables.

EVERY THURSDAY FROM 3.30PM UNTIL 4.30PM TICKETS FROM MISS LITTLEFORD OR MRS ARNOLD INSIDE THE MAIN HALL MEDIA PUPILS ONLY

Cake competition Winners

1 st Lucy Goodfellow 11.5 Birch

2 nd

In conjunction with the Macmillan Coffee Morning that took place in school on 30th September, a cake competition was held where students were invited to design and make cakes. Entries were judged by the whole school and the cakes were then raffled off to

Amy Kusnierz 7.5 Birch

3 rd= Anna Lister 11.2 Sycamore

3 rd= Jessica Guillemin 8.3 Willow

5 th Emily Jones, Sasha Thomas, Abi Stevens 8.1 Sycamore

Overall House Results

1 st Sycamore 2 nd Birch 3 rd Willow 4 th Hawthorne 5 th Elm

All the entries...

raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. All the activities in aid of Macmillan raised £266 on the day.

Congratulations to the winners and thank you all for helping a really good cause.

Highlights from the @charltonpe twitter page What a great start to the new term with sterling performances all round! We’d like to say that we are very proud of the dedication and commitment students have shown. Here are a few of the highlights:

@charltonpe

Oh yes we do!

and the

STOP PRESS!! All Charlton students are being offered tickets for just £1! Early bird discounts available for all other tickets booked and paid for before the end of November!

Term Dates

Visit our website

AUTUMN TERM 2016

Our website, www.charlton.uk.com has extensive information about the school. Term dates, school uniform policy and other policy documents can be found under the ‘School Information’ tab.

Term Starts Tuesday 6th September Half Term Monday 24th October to Friday 28th October Term Ends Friday 16th December

SPRING TERM 2017 PD Day 3 Tuesday 3rd January Term Starts Wednesday 4th January Half Term Monday 20th February to Friday 24th February Term Ends Friday 7th April

‘News & Events’ contains upcoming events, news from the school and important dates for your diary. You can also get regular updates from our Twitter page, follow us: @charlton_school @charltonpe for fixtures, events and scores @charlton_lit for events and news from our Literacy team

SUMMER TERM 2017 Term Starts May Day PD Day 4 Half Term Term Ends PD Day 5

Monday 24th April Monday 1st May Friday 26th May Monday 29th May to Friday 2nd June Friday 21st July Monday 24th July

Please note there may be GCSE exams scheduled on the PD Day on the 26th May 2017. Students may be required to attend on this day. If you are unsure if your child needs to attend on any of the days listed above please contact Student Services.

Emergency Contact Details Can we please ask that if you change your address, telephone number or email address that you inform the school as soon as possible. It is vital that we have the latest contact details for every student. Thank you for your support.

CHARLTON SCHOOL Apley Avenue Wellington Telford TF1 3FA Tel: 01952 386800 Fax: 01952 386805 Email: [email protected] www.charlton.uk.com

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