Sporting Honour
James Batchelor (8S) is the Men's U18 British Ice Dance Champion, and on Wednesday this week he took part in the opening ceremony of the European Ice Dance Championships in Sheffield. Around 100 ice dancers were involved, trained and choreographed by Robin Cousins to perform a spectacular opening dance. Prince Edward was in attendance and wished all the skaters good luck before they performed; he also gave a speech to officially open the games. It is a real honour to be selected for such a prestigious event which has involved James making several trips to Sheffield for rehearsals. We would like to offer our congratulations to James for this richly deserved accolade.
Berkshire Schools Cross Country 2012
This year’s annual Berkshire Schools Cross Country Championship was held at Wellington College last Saturday 21 January. With a good representation from Charters School, nearly 25 students tackled the course through forestry and around open fields. Highlights of the day came from several different age groups. U13s saw Ben Ambridge (7S) finish in an astounding 5th place overall. In the older age groups two students earned themselves selection for the county squad with superb runs - Emily Read (8M) and Dan Rickards (9M). Congratulations must go out to all the athletes who competed on a chilly, windy Saturday afternoon! Please click here for full details, plus reports from other recent sporting fixtures. With thanks to Mr Love for coaching and accompanying the athletes to the event.
Further Sporting Achievement
George Oakley (11C) has recently secured a scholarship with AFC Wimbledon's Senior Centre of Excellence, guaranteeing him a two-year contract with the club once he leaves school in the summer. He is one of only two 16 year olds to get this offer from the Club. This week he went along to AFC Wimbledon's game against Macclesfield and was introduced to the crowd at half-time as well as appearing in the match-day programme.
Key Stage 3 Public Speaking Day
The KS3 Public Speaking day was held on Monday of this week. Each House was represented by three teams of three students, one team from each Year Group (7, 8 and 9). Students were treated to a demonstration by the school public speaking team and then had about two and a half hours to research, write and practice a speech on a given topic. The students were enthusiastic, hardworking and team-spirited (ably supported by the Year 10 English Leaders). They produced some thoroughly impressive speeches by the end of the day. The final for each Year Group will be held during their first assembly after half term.
Careers Fair
Charters are hosting a Careers Fair next Friday, 3 February. This year we will have in excess of 30 major companies, colleges and universities present. Years 9, 11 and the Sixth Form students will be visiting the Fair. Years 9 and 11 have been allocated a specific time when their teacher will accompany them to the fair. Sixth Form students have been allocated Period 1 specifically, although they will be allowed to attend anytime during the day when they have a free period, or during second break. The Fair will be closed during first break.
We feel sure that the Fair is going to be a great success and would encourage your son/daughter to get the most out of this event by talking to as many employers as they can and gather relevant information on job opportunities, apprenticeships, sponsorships, opportunities after GCSEs, 'A' levels/Degree with these companies. We are fortunate to have a large number of new employers joining us this year, many of whom are offering apprenticeships in a variety of careers. A list of exhibitors can be seen on the school website, click here.
Report Dates
The Year 9 Reports have gone out with students today, and parents should note that Year 11 Reports will be coming home next Thursday 2 February and Year 12 will be released on Friday 10 February.
Advance Notice - Charters School Annual Quiz Night!
This year the annual Quiz Night for parents and staff takes place on the evening of Friday 2 March. This is always a very popular event and we thought it worth bringing to your attention now as Friday nights often get booked up some time in advance. Tickets will go on sale soon, so please watch this space for more information.
Kirkland Rowell Surveys
Just a quick reminder to parents that some of you will be receiving a questionnaire, brought home by students, on Monday 30 January. Please return completed surveys as soon as possible to the Main Office. Thank you.
The Alternative University
RBWM and ‘Grow Our Own’ are holding ‘The Alternative University’ on Wednesday 8 February 2012 at the Desborough Suite, Town Hall, Maidenhead between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm. The Alternative University is a chance for parents, young people and employers alike to get their questions answered about the post-16 employment and training options available locally and what Apprenticeships in particular are all about. Talk to employers who are recruiting, join in one of the panel discussions or add your knowledge to the Interactive Q&A boards. Throughout the day there will also be skills and information workshops, while every young person who attends will get the chance to have a 1-1 mock interview with a real employer. For more information contact Fiona Jones at Grow Our Own on 01628 685624 or fiona.jones@rbwm.gov.uk.
Smalley Lectures
LVS School in Ascot is hosting a series of Lectures, the next of which is entitled "Mum, can you lend me twenty quid?" to be given by Elizabeth Burton-Phillips. The lecture, based on her book of the same name, covers the effect drug abuse had on her family. It is a brutally honest wake up call to all about how drug taking can affect ordinary, middle class families, and gives some insight in to how to tackle issues surrounding drugs. This lecture is being run by DRED UK, (Drugs Education UK, www.dreduk.co.uk) who work to challenge attitudes and thinking processes that might cause harm to young people. If you are interested in attending, please email: SmalleyLecture@LVS.Ascot.sch.uk to book your place.
Homework Help at the Library
RBWM libraries are an excellent place for students to visit to get information for their homework requirements. Trained staff are on hand to help children find information from books, but also through the excellent range of online resources available on all library computers. Students can print off their homework free of charge after school (from 3.30-5 pm during normal opening hours). It is free to join the library, and anyone who lives, works or studies in the Borough is entitled to become a member. Click here to go to the online resource page giving access to sites such as Britannica online, Oxford reference library and ISSUES amongst many others.
Dyslexia Research
On behalf of Ms Wignall from Brunel University, we would like to say thank you to the parents who contacted her and participated in the research she is doing into Dyslexia and colour filter glasses – your time and assistance were much appreciated.
Forthcoming Events
Thursday 2 February Year 10 Parents’ Evening 5-8 pm in the Durning Room and Sixth Form Block
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
Monday 20 February Parents’ Council Meeting 7.15 pm in the Durning Room
Thursday 23 February Year 9 Options Evening
Tuesday 28 February Charters Unplugged 7 pm in the Drama Studio
Friday 2 March Quiz Night 7 pm in the Main Hall
Martyn Parker and Richard Pilgrim
Co-Headteachers