Science Challenge Success

On Wednesday of this week four Year 9 students attended the University of Reading 'Science Challenge' 2012. The Science Challenge is based on the TV programme 'University Challenge' and is designed to open children's eyes to the fun and excitement of science and develop their ability to work in teams. Ten schools from Berkshire and neighbouring counties took part in one of two heats and the Charters team came third. This means that they have made it through to the final taking place during Science and Engineering Week in March. The students involved were Ben Papworth, Isaac Gardiner, Rebecca Cooper and Anna Johnson. Congratulations to them and thanks to Mr Barrett for coaching and accompanying the team.

Mathematics Achievement

Well done to all the Year 11s who took their GCSE Mathematics examinations in November. We are delighted with the 21 A*s and 7 A grades achieved by the entire group who took this examination early.

Tirabad Requests

As you know Tirabad is one of the jewels in Charters’ crown. Over the last 40 years, thousands of students have benefitted from the experience of their week’s visit there. The Tirabad Centre runs as an independent Trust and its financial viability rests on the continued support of the three founder schools: Charters, Maiden Erlegh and Emmbrook.

Very often parents ask us whether they can help Tirabad in some way and we will be launching a number of initiatives in the coming months focusing on this. Presently we are wishing to paint the outside of the Centre, as it is looking rather drab, and are looking to source 80 litres of white exterior paint as cheaply as possible. If any parents can support the school and Tirabad in our endeavor, we would be delighted to hear from you!

Tuesday 17 January – No Parking in Sixth Form Car Park

We would like to remind parents and Sixth Form students that the Sixth Form Car Park will be used for visitor parking in the morning of Tuesday 17 January. We are hosting a large meeting that day which will be held in the Durning Room, so would parents also please use the alternative drop-off zone off Charters Road that morning. The Car Park will be available for Sixth Form use as from 11.15 am. Thank you.

Kirkland Rowell Parental Surveys

Every two years, Charters School sends out a survey to parents selected at random to canvas their opinions on a wide range of aspects surrounding the running and educational provision of the school. These surveys will be distributed via students on Monday 30 January. If you receive one of these surveys, we would be very grateful if you would complete the survey (in confidence) and return it in the envelope provided to the Main School Office by Friday 10 February (the last day before the half-term holiday). A randomly selected group of students will also be surveyed after the half-term break in a similar way.

May we take this opportunity of thanking you for taking the time to complete the questionnaire. Your views are vital in helping us shape our strategic planning for the future.

Charters Creative Arts Magazine

If you would like to see some beautiful examples of creativity from students and staff at Charters school then please click here. This is the second edition of the Creative Arts Magazine which includes Award winners from last term, and examples of art, photography and creative writing from KS3, 4 and 5.

Academy Status

Following discussion and further consultation and research with schools that have converted to Academy status, the Governors agreed on Tuesday evening this week that we should proceed with the process of conversion, so that Charters School becomes an Academy on 1 April 2012. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the consultation process.

Associate Staff Vacancy

Charters School is seeking to appoint an additional Cover Supervisor who will supervise classes in the absence of the subject teacher, ideally to start after the February half term. A full induction and training programme will be provided. The role will also include registration cover and break-time duties. The hours are initially 12 hours/2 days per week (the expectation is that this will increase to 3 days per week), term time only, 8.30 am start. Closing date for applications is 12 noon, Monday 23 January 2012.  Please click for an application form and Job Accountabilities or telephone: Mrs S Cronk (School Manager) on 01344 298705 or email: crons001@rbwm.org.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Zone

We would like to remind parents that the area at the front of the school where the school buses pick-up and drop-off must not be used by parents to drive through or wait in to collect their children. Please use the designated pick-up and drop-off zones located by the tennis courts on Charters Road or in the Sixth Form car park to the rear of the school (accessed from Devenish Road). Thank you.

11-19 Music, Arts, Drama, Dance at South Hill Park

Students might be interested in a series of workshops currently running at South Hill Park which cover different areas of music, drama, dance, film and the arts. The workshops are every Friday from 7 pm till 9.30 pm and are aimed at young people between the ages of 11 and 19. You can go every week or just drop in on the activities that interest you – cost is £1 per week. For full details please click here.

Forthcoming Events

Thursday 19 January  Year 8 Parents’ Evening  5 pm (Sixth Form Block/Durning Room)

Thursday 2 February  Year 10 Parents’ Evening  5 pm

Wednesday 8 February  Chamber Concert  7 pm in the Main Hall

Friday 10 February  Last Day of Term 3  School finishes at 3 pm

Monday 13 – Friday 17 February  Half Term

Monday 20 February  Return to School  School commences at 8.35 am

Martyn Parker and Richard Pilgrim
Co-Headteachers