JOHN SMEATON COMMUNITY COLLEGE Headteacher Report This is the time of year when students are both preparing for and taking part in examinations. Year 9 students have completed their SAT’s and Year 11 students have already taken some examinations and are completing course work. The students have worked hard and I thank you for your support over this period. We hope that all students are rewarded for their efforts. The environment around the school will be totally transformed over the next few weeks, therefore completing the new building. The staff, students, parents and the local community have taken all the changes in their stride and are now enjoying the new facilities. We are all looking forward to a really positive end to what has been a very exciting year.
Chair of Governors
Student Voice Smeaton Radio The students involved have now devised their own logo and in addition have received training from Radio Waves. Some members of the team were involved in the Official Grand Opening where they had the opportunity to meet and interview our Guest of Honour: Mr John Smeaton. Although very nervous the students carried out a fantastic job on the day. The first official broadcast will take place during the week beginning 19th May.
A big thank you to Sarah Storer for organising the event and to everybody who helped.
With some year 11 members due to sit their GCSE’s and leave us, we now have some vacancies. Please contact Mrs Storer or Rachel Marston (Student Voice Coordinator) for more details and keep your eye on the new notice board (on the ground floor close to the exit near the canteen) for more information.
A special thanks must also go to Mr John Smeaton for giving his time and commitment on the day and to the students and staff who made him feel welcome.
School Council Update All Year Councils are now meeting regularly to discuss issues relating to their specific year group.
Tuesday 22nd April saw the Official Grand Opening of our new college building and what a great day it was!
The future will concentrate on improving attendance and attainment whilst continuing the good work, guidance and support highlighted by Ofsted. Well done to all staff and the rest of the team at Smeaton as we work towards a brilliant future
The Year 11 Council have been discussing the layout of the new outdoor eating area. We are about to take delivery of new picnic tables which will allow students in Years 10 and 11 to eat lunch alfresco at their leisure
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The Beginning Of The End
JOHN SMEATON COMMUNITY COLLEGE How they laughed!! How they mocked us taking 44 Year 11's to Paris for three nights, people thought we were mad!! But they were awesome from start to finish, despite a 4 hour delay in getting onto the Euro Tunnel as a train had broken down in it. This meant we didn't get to our hotel while 1.30am, tired but not grumpy we managed to get to our rooms and settled to snatch a few hours before Saturday's adventures. Saturday, Disney Studio's for rides shows and shopping until 6.30 when we met for a meal at Planet Hollywood, nobody would have guessed we were such a large party by the excellent standard of behaviour. Then all aboard George's bus for a night tour of Paris. Our coach driver George fancied himself as the Paris official guide, but despite his dubious commentary, that at times was hilarious; we were shown all the major landmarks. This included a hair raising entry onto the Arc de Triomphe roundabout, accompanied by shouts of “Go on George”. The Eiffel Tower lit up by the twinkling lights and the splendour of the Champs Elysee was appreciated by all. Back to the hotel to prepare for Sunday's adventure. Sunday, Disney Park, another amazing photo opportunity for Mr Walakira! More rides, shopping and shows. Miss Caulfield turned me into an adrenalin junkie with Space Mountain, Aerosmith and Tower of Terror. Mrs Walker meanwhile loving The Haunted House and It's a Small World. Mr Tate, as always just going with the flow ( but I think he won the competition for the most shopping)
Monday, return journey, many hours of soft snores !! Thank you all it was a fabulous trip which I hope will add to your happy memories of John Smeaton. Mrs C McAllister (Head of Year 11)
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JOHN SMEATON COMMUNITY COLLEGE Geography Is Going Places This term has been a busy one for the Geography Department with several residential field trips taking place. During March Year 13 went to the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales to study glacial landscapes. The scenery was fantastic and all students and staff enjoyed the lovely Youth Hostel facilities on the shores of Lake Windermere. April saw Year 12 going to North Wales to investigate sand dune ecosystems, urban and rural areas and glacial landscapes. After a long journey the group arrived at the youth hostel. The weather was cold and there were a few snow flurries that made the mountain walks more interesting. Both trips were a lot of fun with everybody taking part having a great time.
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JOHN SMEATON COMMUNITY COLLEGE Stand Down Day Activities Hell's Kitchen On Friday March 7th ten Year 11 students spent a day at Thomas Danby College working in the kitchen to produce a two course meal. Students were divided into two teams and had to compete against each other to produce the best meal. The day began with a demonstration by Chef Jason Main to show the students how to make fresh pasta, fresh carbonnara sauce, sweet pastry and a crème brulee filling. The students were given recipe sheets and the criteria by which their food would be judged. They were then let loose in the kitchen to complete the assignment. The students had to work as a team, they had to communicate clearly and think about timing so that both courses were ready at the same time.
Samantha, Natalie and Natasha working in Hell’s Kitchen
After lunch it was judgement time and two other chefs were called in to make the final decision, it was a close call with each team having positive comments made about their food. The final decision came down to the carbonarra sauce and this gave Team One the victory.
Mock Interviews A team of business people came along to carry out a formal interview session with fifty six students from Years 10 & 11. The interviewers gave the students useful tips after their interviews and hints on how to improve their interview techniques. Ashleigh Gregory and Ronnie Mason
Supporting SATs Year 9, 10 & 11 were involved in a special programmes to support their up and coming examinations after Easter. The Maths and English departments delivered specialist programmes during the day. Year 11 receive specialist lessons in Textiles, ICT, Spanish, French, Resistant Materials, Geography and English.
The Science Consultant Camilla Leslie seen here supporting the science staff along with students Shane and Sophie. John Smeaton Community College
A
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JOHN SMEATON COMMUNITY COLLEGE WORK EXPERIENCE IN THE COMMUNITY Mrs Helen Jackson (Work Experience Coordinator) organised the opportunity for the students in Year 10 to gain a real insight into the working world. Students were able to find out the particular skills an employer is looking for when they recruit someone to that role. They were given the opportunity to develop self confidence and communication skills which could benefit them in both further and higher education as well as future employment. During March the students worked with such employers as Reg Vardy, Benfield Ford, Primary Schools, nurseries, construction placements high street retailers including Currys, Tesco, Adams Childrenswear, Miss Selfridge, Envy, Austin Reed, service industries such as hairdressers, Mrs Helen Jackson beauticians, hotels, Youth Service, and sports placements including Leeds Tykes. Lucy Robinson was described by O'Garra & Co solicitors as an "extremely polite, well presented student with impeccable manners who integrated well with everyone from the office junior to the senior partners….such was her maturity she was able to attend cases in both the Magistrates and Crown Courts. John Smeaton have once again sent us a truly outstanding pupil who has represented her school to the highest standard.”
Paul Staples at Andrew Page
Daniel Parkinson at Strikes Garden Centre
Garry Stead and Kevin Sheldon at Tesco
Thomas Marsh and Jordan Kilbride at Currys Digital
Natasha Penwell at Peta Franklin Hair Salon Richard Hirst at Room Restaurant
Richard Hirst’s placement was at the city centre restaurant, Room where he was supplied with traditional chef whites and really looked the part. The staff were very impressed by Richard’s work ethic and set him a challenge to plan, co -ordinate and cook a meal for the kitchen staff on a budget of £10. Callum Hayes at Inspirepac
The head chef was so impressed he has offered Richard the opportunity of employment during the school holidays.
Coral Jones at Ag fa Christ opher Wood a t Reg Var dy
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JOHN SMEATON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
IL R P A 22ND G N I N GRAND OFFICIAL OPE
Picture provided by Yorkshire Evening Post
Our brand new state of the art college was officially opened by a modern day hero of the same name who helped prevent the GlasgowAirport terrorist attack. John, who won the Queen’s Gallantry Award took time out to open our new building. Opening the school John said, “It's a great honour and I am delighted to be here.” John had a very busy day which not only involved the Official Opening Ceremony but many interviews with the press, our own Radio Station, a tour of the college and meeting many students and staff.
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JOHN SMEATON COMMUNITY COLLEGE OPENED BY JOHN SMEATON HOLDER OF THE QUEENS GALLANTRY AWARD
Opening speeches by: John England (Carillion), Charles Naylor (Chair of Governors), Chris Edwards (Chief Executive Education Leeds), Councillor Harker and John Daulby (Head Teacher).
Chris Edwards sharing a few words with students
John Smeaton touring the schoo l meetin g stude nts John Sm eaton Communi ty
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Guests enjoying some light refreshments
Smeaton Radio Interview and sta ff
ch . Le eds . LS 15 8TA John Smeaton Community College
JOHN SMEATON COMMUNITY COLLEGE One Leeds One Voice Celebrating Diversity Through Music and Dance John Smeaton Community College joined the “One Leeds” creative partnership which began in 2007. The initiative, to link schools to artists from the West Yorkshire Playhouse and to increase the opportunities for music and dance in the schools, culminated in an outstanding performance of pupils’ work in the Quarry Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse, in celebration of community. This was the first performance of our newly formed group under the direction of Miss White our new Head of music. Their performance programme was a medley including; “We all stand Together” by Paul McCartney, “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers and “Joyful” from “SisterAct 2”. Their next performance was at the Grand Opening of the new John Smeaton Community College on 22ndApril. The following students took part in the performance: Dane Sigsworth, Richard Costello, Lewis Mander, Kallum Woods, Robert McElhone, Jack Stewart, Jodie Turner, Andrew Hewitt, Amy Williamson, Melissa Murray, Hayley Durose, Jessica Howden, Jessica Moody and Amy Hanlon from Year 7. Zac Holdsworth, Jack Thompson,Abi Ellis from Year 8. Tiffany Gallagher, Kimberley Magwere, Rachel O’Leary, Stacie Florey, Leigh Douglas, Chantelle Bailey, Jade Hayley, Divine Lufwa from Year 9. Lisa Denbigh,Abigail Sibander,Abiathar Sibanda and Suella Manyere from Year 10
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JOHN SMEATON COMMUNITY COLLEGE Fashion, Arts, Music and Drama Evening The audience was entertained by students of John Smeaton Community College to a very colourful evening. The evening began with a performance of “Murder on The Dance Floor” by the Year 11 Performing Arts students followed by a number of musical interludes by our newly formed choir. The evening was coordinated by our Mrs T Warne (Textiles Teacher) so it was appropriate that the audience were treated to a fashion show by the Year 11 textiles students wearing the clothing designed and produced by the individual students. An art exhibition included examples of drawings. painting, graphics and ceramics work.
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JOHN SMEATON COMMUNITY COLLEGE Commonwealth Day Celebrations Over one hundred and fifty people from the local primary schools and John Smeaton Community College took part in the Commonwealth Day celebrations on March 10th. The event was organised by the Extended Services and Language Department to enable young people to learn about different Commonwealth countries. Everyone took part in drumming workshops, Indian dancing, playing traditional games and tasting food from countries far and wide. Rehana Minhas (Director of Equalities and Diversity) joined the celebrations and closed the event by thanking everybody for participating in this very successful day.
Rehana Minhas can be seen here with John Daulby (Headteacher, members of the local community and students from local primary schools with representatives from our Year 7.
John Smeaton Community College
Mark Smith (Extended Services Manager) and Anne Moody (Head of MFL)
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JOHN SMEATON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Year 7 Dorney Sheppard Cup Final (Leeds & Hunslet Schools' Rugby League Challenge Cup):
John Smeaton Community College 28 - Temple Moor 16.
With the Year 7 Final being played at Headingley for the first time in recent history, this was always going to be a classic encounter. The John Smeaton boys battled throughout the game against a much bigger and more physical Temple Moor side. Muhsin Mir produced an excellent display at stand-off where he directed play around the big spaces on the Headingley pitch. This finally wore down the Temple Moor lads whose defence had matched Smeaton's until the last quarter. Mir's excellent kicking game led to Jordan Young touching down in the corner to claim the try that sealed a superb win for the developing Smeaton side. Mir had previously chipped over the defence, regathered and scored under the posts to suggest that the game was beginning to swing Smeaton's way. Diminutive Captain, Daniel Varley, playing at hooker, produced a display which had many onlookers claiming to have witnessed the emergence of another Rob Burrow. Varley touched down twice, peircing the Temple Moor defence with his blistering pace to score. Young's match winner added to his first effort in the first half and Kai Rodgers, playing outside Young on the wing showed his potential with some classy footwork leaving the defence standing still to score in the corner.
A Snap Shot of The Art Exhibition
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JOHN SMEATON COMMUNITY COLLEGE A Mountain to Climb - Adam Thomas (Sixth Form Student) I have been in the Army Cadet Force for about four years now and achieved the rank of Corporal. I am going on a four week expedition to Mount Everest in August 2008. I have been on some expeditions in the past, but this will be a once in a life time experience for me. This is going to be a physically and mentally arduous challenge. I am really excited and know that I will gain so much more confidence from this expedition. As a cadet it will enable me to build upon my experience and provide an opportunity to pass on newfound knowledge to other cadets. As part of the training we will be carrying out walks in the Yorkshire region. We depart on 1st August 2008 to trek the Nepal region and return back to the UK on 30th August 2008. A detailed report will appear in the Autumn Edition of this Newsletter.
Dates For Your Diary
Coming Soon
23rd May: School Closes
Tate Gallery Visit
2nd June: School Opens - Summer Term
Everest Report
3rd July: Year 7 Parents Evening
Year 11 Prom
4th July: Year 11 Prom
Year 6 Transition Day
11th July: Stand Down Day
Complex Learning Visit
15th July: Year 6 Parents Evening 18th July: School Trips - School Closes to students 21st July:
Training Day
22nd July: Training Day AUTUMN TERM 1st September: Training Day 2nd September: School open for Years 7, 12, 13 and CLD 3rd September: SCHOOL OPEN FOR ALL YEAR GROUPS 24th October: School Closes Half Term Break
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