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December 2012 Newsletter - Issue No. 3
Grange Avenue, Wickford, Essex SS12 0LZ. Tel: 01268 471201 Fax: 01268 474494
Email: [email protected] Web: www.bromfords.essex.sch.uk
The Bromfords School
Inside this issue: Page
Dates For Your Diary 2
Student Absence Reminder 2
Attendance Matters 2
Bromfords School Uniform 3
Wickford Extended Services 3
Anti-Bullying Event 3
The Bromfords Christmas Box 4
Movember At Bromfords 4
B-Active 4
Christmas Card Competition 4
Inside this issue: Page
Christmas Carol Concert 4
Children In Need 4
Boys Handball Champions 5
Dragons’ Den 5
Visit to France 6
Year 10 Alternative Pathways 6
Student Executive Team 7
School Council 7
Student Wins Police Award 8
Unplanned Closures 8
Examinations 8
Dear Students, Parents and Carers
Once again this term we have been involved in a full range of activities in and out of school.
These have ranged from stalls at Wickford Carnival, to trips to Danbury, the British Museum
and theatres in London, to further afield, with geography students going to Sheffield and the
Peak District, technology students going to the Clothes Show in Birmingham and students
taking part in our Saturday trip to Lille market. Our students have also taken part in a number
of different sporting competitions and are currently the East of England Handball Champions.
We have again seen our amazing High Flyers perform, budding entrepreneurs compete in
Dragons Den and celebrated individual’s achievements through local Celebration of
Achievement Awards in Basildon and the Jack Petchey Awards Scheme.
Students and staff have actively fund raised again by taking part in Children in Need, Jeans for
Genes, ‘Movember’ and the Rudolf Run along Southend sea front. Our Children in Need
activities raised £1,096 this year and we have also sent out over fifty mini Christmas hampers
to local elderly residents. A fantastic effort by all!
All of the activities so far this term have been a tremendous success and this is all due to the
dedication and efforts of students, staff, parents and carers at home.
The continued hard work and ongoing contributions from all our stakeholders are greatly
appreciated and I would like to sincerely thank all students, staff, governors and the local
community for their support over the last year. I wish you all the very best for the seasonal
break and a Happy New Year for 2013.
Mrs M Spinks
Headteacher
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Page 2 Bromfords Newsletter
• The date
• Your name
• Student’s name and form
• The reason for absence
• A return to school date
S TUDENT ABSENCE - REMINDER
Illness: If your child is going to be absent due to illness then please call our 24 Hour
Student Absence Line on 01268 474500 on the first day of absence by 8.30am or text
07624 810849. Your message should include the following details:
If you do not indicate how long your child will be absent then you must call the Absence Line
each day that your child is not in school.
On your child’s return to school a letter, addressed for the attention of the Attendance Officer,
stating the dates of, and reasons for, absence should be handed into the School Office.
Lateness: If you know your child is going to be late for school, where possible please call the
Absence Line on 01268 474500 by 8.30am or text 07624 810849. Your message should include
the student’s name, form and reason for lateness.
Medical Appointments: If you know in advance that your child will be late for school or
absent due to a medical appointment please either send in a letter, addressed to the
Attendance Officer, the day prior to the appointment or call/text the Absence Line.
Early notification of absences/lateness helps you avoid receiving unwanted phone calls/texts
enquiring as to the whereabouts of your child.
Thank you in advance for your support.
D ATES FOR YOUR DIARY AND END OF TERM ARRANGEMENTS
Christmas break begins on Friday, 21st December at 12.15pm.
Staff training day on Monday, 7th January 2013. Students return on Tuesday,
8th January 2013.
Year 9 Parents Evening - Thursday, 24th January 2013 - 4.00pm - 7.00pm.
Year 10 Parents Evening - Thursday, 7th March, 2013 - 4.00pm - 7.00pm.
Half term break begins on Monday, 18th February 2013. Students return on Monday,
25th February 2013.
A TTENDANCE MATTERS
We have always known that good attendance helps with good exam results.
This year an analysis of GCSE exam results found the following information:
73% of students with 95-100% attendance passed 5 or more GCSE exams at A*-C .
34% of students with below 95% attendance passed 5 or more GCSE exams at A*-C.
There are a number of factors which influence exam results, but the evidence above is
clearly telling us about the importance of good attendance.
If you are experiencing problems with your child’s attendance, please don’t hesitate to
contact their Pastoral Manager for advice and support.
Mr A Bennett
Assistant Headteacher
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D IANA AWARD, ANTI-BULLYING EVENT
On Monday, 19th November Molly Blake, Emilia Anderson, Oscar Voller, Hannah Lay,
Mia Stocker, Daisy Jode, Kia Watson, Nicole Lycett, Kathryn
Mylchreest and Jodie-Neve Gutteridge took part in the
Diana Award, Anti-Bullying Event at Canary Wharf. The event
involved schools from across the country and looked at ways of
tackling bullying issues within schools. Students took part in
workshops where experiences and ideas were discussed with
celebrities.
On Wednesday, 21st November local celebrity Jodie Marsh visited
The Bromfords School and met our Anti-bullying Ambassadors to
discuss their experiences and ways to inspire our Anti-Bullying
Ambassadors in the prevention of bullying.
W ICKFORD EXTENDED SERVICES
There will be no Youth Clubs week commencing 17th December (Youth, Fun and
Freestyle) only the Youth Club Christmas Show which will be held on Wednesday
evening at the CLC. Tickets must be purchased in advance at £1 per person, please
call or drop into the CLC to buy (01268 562879). No entry without a ticket. Doors open at 7pm and
show starts at 7pm. Refreshments available to purchase. Limited space so first come first serve
only please for tickets. Hope to see you there.
Youth Clubs (Wednesday), Fun and Freestyle Clubs return after Christmas on the 16th and 17th
January 2013 respectively.
For further information, please refer to the website: www.wickfordextendedservices.org.uk
B ROMFORDS SCHOOL UNIFORM
All of our school uniform is available from our current uniform
supplier Emblem, 18 The Broadway, Wickford, Essex 01268
768797. Opening hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and
Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm, Saturday 9.30am to 4.30pm, Closed
Wednesday and Sunday. Emblem staff will help with all your
requirements for uniform including assistance on sizing.
Uniform is also available from TrutexOnline (www.trutexdirect.com,
password LEA00316SD). Please note that the PE kit is only available from Emblem.
Please make sure that your child’s uniform is marked with their full name.
Please ensure that when in doubt refer to the school planner for our school uniform
requirements.
Please note that blue chino (style)/jeans are not acceptable and trousers must not be
tight legging style.
The only jewellery permitted is a watch and a small pair of metal studs (in the ear
lobe).
Shoes must be black and not made of canvas. Black trainers are not acceptable.
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M OVEMBER AT THE BROMFORDS SCHOOL
Local barber Joseph Richards owner of the
Arches Barbers in Wickford has joined forces
with The Bromfords School in supporting ‘Movember’. Since
1st November staff of Bromfords School have been growing
facial gardens in order to raise vital funds and awareness for
men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers
that affect men. Today Joseph obliged our hairy teachers,
Martin Coulson, Ian Jarratt and Andy Warren by removing
their Mos.
B - ACTIVE
Please refer to the attached flyer at
the reverse of this newsletter for up
do date details and offers. C HRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT
A
Christmas
Carol
Concert took place
on Tuesday, 18th
December at St
Andrews Church
Wickford and was well attended.
T HE BROMFORDS CHRISTMAS BOX
Christmas is a time for caring and sharing and helping others. The elderly often
get overlooked and neglected; some don’t have the money to buy the luxury
items that we all take for granted.
The Bromfords School has organised a Christmas Gift Box
which we distributed to the elderly people in the local
area.
The Christmas Gift Box was made, packed, decorated and
delivered by our caring students. Nominations outside the
local area were delivered by the nominated parent
themselves.
We know the elderly will benefit from this and hopefully they too will have a lovely
Christmas this year.
Thank you for your donations, time and support.
C HRISTMAS CARD
COMPETITION
Congratulations
to Amber
Stewart 10.5 and Megan
Warman 8.7 joint
winners of this year’s
competition.
C HILDREN IN NEED
Once again The Bromfords School
pulled all the stops out for Children in
Need. The school hosted a sponsored
‘fancy dress extravaganza’ – staff and students
alike transformed into their
favourite characters
including a
Mexican Marching
Band all in aid of
raising money
for Children in
Need. Funds are
still piling in but
the total raised so
far is £1,033.
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B OYS HANDBALL CHAMPIONS U16 EAST OF ENGLAND
The Bromfords Buccaneers now competing as Essex, hosted the East Region
County Schools U16 Boys Qualification round.
The three teams competing for the places in the National Finals were Essex,
Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Game 1 saw Buckinghamshire beat Bedfordshire 23 – 5 in a one sided contest where
Buckinghamshire played Handball, showing how it should be played with power, pace,
movement and a good counter attacking display.
Game 2 saw Essex beat Bedfordshire 19 – 10 this was a tight match for much of the
competition with the scores close at half time but Essex found some good form in the
second half and came out comfortable winners.
Game 3 was all to play for with a winner takes all match between Essex and
Buckinghamshire. This was a very competitive aggressive game with emotions running
high in both camps, there was only one goal in it at half time 6-5 to Essex. In the
second half an outstanding display from the Essex goal keeper Connor Bennett as
defence, and the attacking play of the Essex and England right half Josh Da Silva saw
Essex take a 3 goal lead which they kept for most of the half seeing Essex beating
Buckinghamshire 12 – 8.
Congratulations to Essex, and all involved. Thanks to Bobby White the Great Britain
Captain for coming along and scouting four of our players, Josh da Silva, Connor
Bennett, Rob Jones and Harry Girling for England trials.
Essex will now take part in the National Finals in February 2013 and will also be looking
at having some trials for students from other schools in the County to try and get into
this already talented Essex team.
D RAGONS’ DEN - HIRED OR FIRED???
Bromfords Business students were put through their
paces as part of the extra curricular Dragons’ Den
programme. Students had 10 hours after school to
think of a profitable business idea, market their product, create
an effective trade stand and marketing materials. This
culminated in two days of selling to KS3,
KS4, KS5, students and staff. In the afternoon, students were grilled
by the Dragons who kindly devoted their time to judge the
competition. The overall winner of the competition were Bakery
Bites who sold homemade brownies which were to die for.
Congratulations to the following students who participated in the
programme. All students operated highly
successful and profitable businesses that Alan
Sugar would be proud of: The groups included: Back of the
Net (Reece Pinchback, Connor Etchells and William
Neller), Tasty Treats (Sacha Hawker, Holly Wheatley,
Rhianna Lee and Emma Turner),
Beautiful Braclets (Rebecca
Warwick and Shauney Carter.)
On behalf of the Business Department, we
would really like to thank the Dragons, Liz Westhead, Paul Seager
Chris Hawkes, staff and all of the students who supported this event
so enthusiastically.
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V ISIT TO CHRISTMAS MARKET IN LILLE, FRANCE
On Saturday, 1st December, the Languages
Department took 42 students from Years 9, 10 and
11 to visit the Christmas Market in Lille, France.
We had an early start, departing from school at 5.45am and
finally reaching Lille at 12.00pm local time. Students had
the opportunity to look around the Christmas Market and
purchase gifts, decorations and food. They also explored the
town centre, sampling the cuisine from local cafes and visiting
local shops. There was a beautiful Christmas tree up in the town centre and just
behind it, there was a Ferris Wheel. Some of our more adventurous students went on
the Ferris Wheel several times.
Mrs Bright, Miss Thomas, Miss Lund and Mr Pratt were all
very impressed by how well the students behaved on the
day. They were excellent ambassadors for the school
and we would like to take this opportunity to publicly
congratulate them.
Y EAR 10 - ALTERNATIVE PATHWAYS ACHIEVEMENTS
Since Tuesday 18th September, a group from the Alternative Pathways has been
completing a ten week programme that aims to help young people in Year 10,
develop confidence and self-esteem.
The achievements are recognised and accredited through the ‘ASDAN’ Personal & Social
Development Award’ and will form a vital part of their ‘Certificate of Personal Effectiveness’
qualification which they work towards at school.
Activities are organised for the students in outdoor pursuits, sex and alcohol awareness and
first aid to enhance learning opportunities and personal development. Youth workers provide
support as appropriate to an individual’s needs.
On Tuesday, 27th November the group held their presentation. They all took part in the
presentation and spoke about what they felt they had gained from the course.
It is a pleasure to see that all students gained not only the above award but also some made
new friends and gained confidence to be able to speak and share their experiences.
YEAR 11 ALTERNATIVE PATHWAYS ACHIEVEMENTS
We would like to congratulate Kallen Maxwell, who attends ‘Rallysport
Engineering Academy’. He has completed the Award part of the Level 1
Motor Vehicle Qualification.
Well done!
Mrs K Ruck
Alternative Pathways Coordinator
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B ROMFORDS STUDENT EXECUTIVE TEAM
The following students have been elected to act as ambassadors of The
Bromfords School:
Stuart Clark
Chloe Christian
Benedict Delfgou
Reece Hustwitt
Ryan Jaques
Benjamin Sloan
The Student Executive Group will be leading an academic enhancement, house system
and also charities this year. The Student Executive Team:
• Provide students with an opportunity for leadership;
• Is a mechanism for ensuring that the views of students are heard;
• Fulfil the schools’ commitment to inclusion;
• Encourages students to lead on specific student centred activities;
• Improves working relationships between students and other stakeholders
Reece Hustwitt has been elected Head of the Student Executive Team and Benjamin
Sloan, Deputy Head.
Chloe Christian and Ryan Jaques will be Deputy Heads for Academic Enhancement and
Benedict Delfgou and Stuart Clark will be Deputy Heads for House System and Charities.
The Student Executive Team will he actively running form representative meetings, be
standing on the School Council and will aim to improve Student Voice across the school.
S CHOOL COUNCIL
The school Council has now been elected and the following pupils enjoyed an welcoming
lunch with Mrs Spinks and Mrs Hörmann on Monday, 10th December 2012. They
received their badges and certificates for this achievement and from now on will work
together with form representatives and The Student Executive Team in promoting student voice
in the school for 2013.
Albert Anderson 7.1
Scarlett Anderson 10.8
Molly Aungier 9.3
Louie Bond 10.1
Rosie-May Burvill 8.6
Anais Daniel 7.3
Scott Duffy 11.3
Harry Jarman 9.3
Jake Le Port 8.3
Tyler McBride(Head boy)
Lauren Waller (Head girl)
Jade Wooldridge 11.7
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U NPLANNED CLOSURES
The school may need to
close due to snow or
other unforeseen
circumstances. If this is the case
we will notify you via:
Work will now be provided for students on
the schools’ VLE. Students should log on and
follow the “EMERGENCY WORK” links to each
of their teachers folders where work will be
left in Word Document format.
BBC Essex
The school website
Heart FM
E AMINATIONS
Please refer to the attached timetable at the reverse of this Newsletter showing details of
January examination dates.
Morning examinations will begin at 8.45am and afternoon examinations at 1.45pm.
Students are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the published start time.
In the event of adverse weather, we will endeavour to follow Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ)
regulations which state:
A candidate will be considered very late if they arrive:
More than one hour after the published starting time for an examination which lasts one hour or
more, i.e. after 10.00am for a morning examination or after 2.30pm for an afternoon examination.
For examinations that last less than one hour, a candidate will be considered very late if they
arrive:
After the awarding body’s published finishing time for the examination or 30 minutes after the
awarding body’s published starting time, whichever is later.
Should the examination last less than one hour, a candidate will be considered very late if they
arrive after the awarding body’s published finishing time or 30 minutes after the awarding body’s
published starting time, whichever is later. In this case the awarding body is unlikely to accept the
work.
ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS
If the main school is closed due to heavy snow, public examinations will still go ahead. It is the
student’s responsibility to make the necessary arrangements to ensure that they attend. We will
update the school website with the latest information.
Students living a distance from the school who have an examination the next day may consider
staying with a friend or relative who lives nearer the school to make travelling easier.
S TUDENT WINS POLICE
AWARD
Congratulations to Tyler
McBride 11.7 who has won the
Metropolitan Police
Commissioner’s Total
Excellence in Police
Awards 2012. Tyler
was presented with
the award at the
Park Plaza Hotel in
London on 17th
December 2012. Tyler has been a
Police Cadet for the last 18 months and
took decisive action to help and assist
victims of a car accident by
administering first aid and helping
casualties to a place of safety. Tyler’s
quick actions and thinking demonstrated
his bravery and professionalism and we
are delighted to congratulate him on
winning this fantastic award.
