School news – week beginning 20th May 2013 (week 6)

Change of date, year 7 parents evening

A reminder that the year 7 parents evening has changed from 23^rd May to Thursday 20^th June. Appointments are in the sports hall from 5.30. Students can use p52 of their planner to make appointments with teachers from June 3^rd onwards.

Message from Mr.Nixon

There has been a great deal in the press this week regarding Ofsted and you will see on the school website our action plan for this term.  A large amount has already been done and to date we have met every single one of the challenging timescales we have set ourselves.   It is a plan that specifically addresses the issues raised by Ofsted; a sub section of the school improvement plan.  It is important that we continue with all the other great work that takes place in school

I confess to having very little interest in football, however, I have been following it over the past couple of weeks.  The success of Norwich city, both for remaining in the premier league and for the youth team winning the FA cup is good news for the city. 

I was interested in the various stories that emerged when Alex Ferguson announced his retirement; one in particular caught my eye. The story was written by an ex player about how Ferguson wouldn't just fine one player if something happened, he would fine the whole team.  One event summed this up when a player got in trouble and ended up being arrested.  All the other players went home to their families and Ferguson was angry saying they should have contacted him as their manager; they had left the player on his own when he was in trouble.  Ferguson’s view was that they should look after each other and that the other players should have stopped their team mate from getting into trouble.  As a result the whole team was fined for their collective responsibility.  I read the story with admiration; it is no surprise that Manchester United has had so much success over the many years Ferguson was in charge and I totally agree with the philosophy.  It is how we respond to a challenging situation that makes success and team work; collective responsibility is the key. 

It is doubtful that we will ever see another manager like him again, in fact there is as much chance of that happening as there is of me writing about football again!

Jim Nixon

CNSA

Members of the City of Norwich School Association have been working hard to get the CNSA up and running again after a period of inactivity. Last week, we asked you to fill in an online survey to get your input concerning the CNSA and where to go next. You can still find the questionnaire under the news section of the school website. It should take just a couple of minutes to fill in, but we need all responses by Wednesday 22^nd May please.

Thank you for your support,

The CNSA committee

CNSPE Twitter feed

For the latest CNS sports news, reports and fixtures, there is now a Twitter feed to look at.

You can find it @CNSPE

“Yes Chef,” learning the realities of catering work

Around 30 Yr 10 catering students were offered a hands-on experience with a head chef last week.

Declan Farrell, the head chef of Sodexo, based at the Abbey Conference Centre in Norwich came into the school to teach pupils about the reality of being a chef.

“It’s not just about weighing things out and cooking, you need to stick to schedules, there’s paperwork and a lot of personal responsibility.”

Year 10 student Emerald Tan said she was considering becoming a chef as one of her options,

“He taught us how to bake by instinct. Sometimes you don’t have to weigh things out, you go with your instinct and how it feels.”

The event was set up by Suzanne Edwards, Work Related Learning Co-ordinator at CNS.

Building works – please note:

The general manager at the nearby golf club has told the school that they are planning some building work. Some pupils use a pedestrian route through the course to get to school. We have been advised that while the building work is taking place, this route is not safe and even club members are not allowed through it. The gate to the golf club will be closed for 8 weeks, starting on Wednesday 22^nd May. A sign will be on the gate for the duration.

MFL film club:

A group of dedicated Yr 7 students have been planning, scripting, filming and editing short 5 minute films in French. These are being sent off for a film competition through “Routes into Languages.” The deadline is on Friday 24^th May to submit the films. The best ones will be shown at a film festival in Cambridge. Fingers crossed!

Michele Witting and Emma Gibson

This week

Public examinations all week

Monday 20^th

Y13 study leave starts

Tuesday 21^st

School clubs

KS3 MFL film making club (room 201)

After school clubs

Creative writing club (Learning Centre)

Orchestra practice (Arc)

Y9 Cookery Club (room 77)

Wednesday 22^nd

School clubs

Christian Union meeting (room 113)

British Sign Language (room 2)

Debating Society (room 20)

After school clubs

Computing club (room 25)

GCSE open art room (room 28)

Y9 Biopunks (room 104)

Full Governors meeting (Skinner centre, room 112 6pm-10pm)

Thursday 23^rd

After school clubs

Titan, SEND students (room 48)

Jazz band (the Arc)

Garden club

Friday 24^th

Y8 History trip

High tea with Yr 11 (The Arc, lunchtime)

Yr 11 Final Assembly (The Arc)

27^th May – 31^st May Half Term

School news - week beginning 13th May (week 5)

Change of date – Year 7 parents evening

Due to the timings of public examinations taking place, we have had to reschedule the Y7 parents evening due to take place on the 23^rd May to the 20^th June. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused and we look forward to seeing you to discuss the progress that your child has made this year.

Please note

There is a special presentation evening for all parents of year 11 students on Monday 13^th May at 6.30 in the Arc. Please read Mr Nixon’s full message.

Message from Mr Nixon

As with all high schools, this is a very busy time of year and there is a considerable amount of important information to share in this week’s addition of the E-echo. 

You may remember that several weeks ago I wrote about the support we were providing for our students building up to and during the exam period.  The feedback has been very positive and at an assembly a couple of days ago, it was suggested that parents may also appreciate the extra support during what can be a very stressful time.  I vividly remember a year when both my boys were doing crucial exams, Richard his A levels and Robert his GCSEs.  It was a time for family support and understanding, alongside finding a balanced route through revision, stress and relaxation.  It wasn't easy.

From the feedback we received from parents and the discussions we have had with students we have invited the parents of all year 11 students to attend a presentation this coming Monday 13^th May at 6.30pm in the Arc.  My apologies for the short notice but we thought it better to go with the idea now given the impending exams. (A text and an email was sent earlier in the week.) It is anticipated that the presentation will last for about half an hour, looking at ways to support revision and trying to reduce stress.  The aim is to go through various strategies for dealing with a series of exams taking place over a short period of time. There will be refreshments afterwards with an opportunity to talk to staff and other parents.  We envisage the whole session taking about an hour.  Of course, we also welcome parents whose children from other year groups may be sitting individual exam such as Astronomy in year 9. 

During the exam period itself, we will be on hand to support and guide students on the morning of their exams; providing a light breakfast from 7.45-8.15am so that they go into the examination hall in the right frame of mind and ready to do their very best.  The last day for our year 11 students is Friday 24th May; however, we will continue to provide support throughout study leave – with a ‘stress buster’ email hotline already in operation.  (This information has been given to the students through assemblies). 

We have carried out a review of the year 10 assessments that took place at the beginning of term and we will be outlining to parents in more detail the various changes that will take place for future tests and exams.  It may be useful to highlight at this point that the results from any internal assessments are just one element of what goes towards judging current performance and to estimate future grades.  Entry into sixth form is based solely on student’s actual GCSE results which they receive towards the end of August. 

Jim Nixon

This week

Monday 13^th

A level Art

Y11 parents meeting – exam management (6.30-7.30 CNS)

Tuesday 14^th

A level Art

Yr 10 Geography F/work DT Innovation challenge

Lunchtime clubs

KS3 MFL film making club  (room 201)

After school clubs

Creative writing club (learning centre)

Orchestra practice (Arc)

Yr 9 cookery club (room 77)

Wednesday 15^th

Yr 10 Geography F/work GCE/GCSE start

A level Art

Lunchtime clubs

Christian union meeting (room 113)

British sign language (room 2)

Debating society (room 20)

After school clubs

Computing club (room 25)

GCSE open art room (room 28)

Orchestra practice (room 213)

Yr 9 Biopunks  (room 104)

Garden club

Thursday 16^th

School council (PD room)

A level Art

Titan – SEND students (room 48)

Friday 17^th

A level Art

CNSA questionnaire

Dear parents, carers and guardians

 Over the past 18 months we have been working hard to get the City of Norwich School Association (CNSA) up and running again after a period of inactivity.  We have an enthusiastic committee and a growing group of event helpers but we now need as much input as possible from all of you as to where we go next. 

The primary aim of the association as defined by its constitution is to advance the education of CNS students by developing effective relationships between the staff, parents/carers/guardians and others associated with the school and by engaging in activities or providing facilities or equipment which support the school.

To help us determine how best to meet this aim we would be grateful if you would complete the online questionnaire found at this link. As we do not have access to your children's email addresses could you please ask them to complete it after you have. All parents, carers, guardians and students can submit their own response and we encourage you to do so.  Please could all responses be submitted by Wednesday 22 May.

This questionnaire will also be sent to CNS staff and governors and we will report back on its findings after half term.  If you have any comments or queries please email them to cnsa@cnsmail.org.

 Thank you for your support.

The CNSA Committee

Sky News 

As I write this on Friday 10^th May, I have just finished some filming with Sky News. A reporter and journalist came to the school to talk about a national news story concerning perceived educational gaps between September and August born children. It was due to a report published by the Institute of Fiscal Studies which you can read at http://www.ifs.org.uk/publications/6686

Thanks to two Yr 11 students who (with permission) helped us with the filming and Mr Setchell who also answered questions for the reporter.

Note: It was on air on Friday 10^th at 5pm.

Elizabeth Humphries

School events - week beginning 6th May (week 4)

Communications
Hello, my name is Elizabeth Humphries and I am the dedicated Communications Lead for CNS. I work part-time and I have been at the school for three weeks. I have met staff, governors and the CNSA to discuss how to improve communications both internally and externally and you will see some changes coming soon. I will, of course, inform you of any major changes. I am currently looking at updating and refreshing the e-echo and the school website. I would also like to make more of the news and features the school is involved in to highlight internally and send to local media. If you have any thoughts and ideas for content, you can email me at e.humphries@cns-school.org
Thanks,
Elizabeth

What's happening this week
Monday 6^th
Bank Holiday
Tuesday 7th
Yr 12 Study leave starts
Y11 assembly (6th form common room)
GCSE Drama exam (Arc)
Science Department Yr 12 seminar (6th form common room)
Lunchtime clubs
KS3 MFL film making club (Room 201)
After school clubs
Yr 9 Cookery club (Room 77)
Creative writing club (Learning centre)
Wednesday 8th
GCSE drama exam (Arc and rooms 212 and 213)
 Lunchtime clubs
Christian Union meeting (room 113)
British sign language (room 2)
Debating society (room 20)
 After school clubs
Computing club (room 25)
Biopunks Yr 9 (room 104)
GCSE open art room (room 28)
Thursday 9th
Science seminar (6th form common room)
After school clubs
Garden club
Titan - SEND students, road safety (Room 48)
Friday 10th
Science seminar (Arc)

CNSA Quiz and Chips Night
The Arc was fully booked for our recent social event as 12 teams pitched their knowledge in this fun quiz.  Thank you to all those who came to support it; we hope that you all had a good time and learned some unusual facts along the way.  Special thanks to parent James East who was a great quizmaster, and also to Ken’s Fish and Chip Shop in Tuckswood which provided all the food.   

We raised £162 for the school and will very shortly be consulting you all, using an online questionnaire, for ideas on how best to spend funds raised to date.

CNS Summer Fete – Sunday 16 June, 11 – 3pm
Plans are currently coming together for this event but if we are to run all the activities that have been suggested we are going to need lots of help.  This could range from repairing bunting to serving refreshments in the Dad’s zone as a Father’s Day treat.   Or it could be lending us your gazebo for the day.  In the words of a famous supermarket, every little helps.

If you are able to lend a hand in any way could you please register your interest by either emailing cnsa@cnsmail.org with your contact details or by leaving a message for Alison Coyle at the school office before 10 May. Full details of the fete will be published before half term, but please make a note of the date in your diaries. 

Message from Mr Nixon

Recently we made two internal appointments for secondments to the senior leadership team; one of these is to focus on attendance. We are currently looking at our attendance policy, not just in relation to absence due to illness but also for students missing school due to holidays; it is vital that students attend regularly. As you would expect, there is a clear link between absence and under performance and so in order to support those students and families who have difficulty in engaging with school, we have advertised for our own Parent Support Adviser (PSA). Over my many years in various schools, I have seen a significant change in the difficulties and challenges that are faced  not only by schools but by families themselves. Regrettably and without being political, at a time when support and help is most needed, there would appear to be a decline in services at a national level. Society has changed, as has its expectations, but central to our philosophy as a school is supporting our students in every way possible. The intention is that the appointed PSA will be able to support those families who are facing problems that lead to students having difficulties in school.

As students get older, personal issues and challenges remain, therefore we will be advertising for a Pastoral Manager solely for the sixth form to compliment the excellent academic work and support that is currently in place. The sixth form team currently support students in this area but I believe that the introduction of a non-teaching Pastoral Manager for our older students will increase the care provision; someone who is there and available to support and to sign post to specialist help when needed.

The aim of all our pastroal work is to support our students to achieve, succeed and enjoy their time at CNS. Our students are a real pleasure to be with. I enjoy their presence, their confidence, their work ethic and their determined personalities. They deserve the very best!

Jim Nixon

Earlybird offer on new school uniform

National Schoolwear Centre (Ber Street Norwich) have an Earlybird offer on New School Uniform – order before 19^th June and receive a 15% discount  If you think that you may have a problem meeting the cost of school uniform, you may be able to receive a grant from The Anguish Educational Foundation.  It is important to contact the Foundation Office as soon as possible.  You do not need to have the detailed uniform requirements in order to register.  The Foundation’s telephone number is 01603 621023.

School events - week beginning 29th April 13 (week 3)

Events for week

Monday
AS French orals
Yr 8 Geography farm visits
Leadership forum (LRC)

Tuesday
Yr 8 Geography farm visits

Wednesday
A2 French orals

Yr 8 Geography farm visits

GCSE open art room (room 28)

Thursday

School council (PD room)

AS Music

GCSE Art

Yr 8 Geography farm visits

Titan - SEND students (room 48)

Open surgery

Friday

A2 music exam

GCSE Art

Message from Mr Nixon

We are currently doing a lot of intervention for students, from year 7 through to year 13. The appointment of a new House Intervention Assistant is an addition to the extra support provided in English and Maths. Our fresh start literacy programme in year 7 is a huge success and we are looking to extend it next year. In addition, we do a lot of pastoral intervention and part of our year 11 programme includes looking after students who may feel stressed or worried about their GCSEs. To support this, we will be holding separate year 11 assemblies from next week (sixth form have weekly year group assemblies already in place) to give additional advice on revision and let students know how we will support them leading up to and during their GCSE exams.

We put an action plan in place within a couple of days of the inspection and this plays a key role in ensuring that the small but important group of students highlighted by the inspectors perform to the very highest possible standard but without compromising our principles. House Leaders and Curriculum Leaders are leading various initiatives within school. 

The atmosphere in the school is vibrant, positive and determined. Staff and students continue to work well together. One of my many pleasures is to walk through the sixth form study hall and see the high level of motivation and independence on display; it's impressive. We continue to be very proud of our school and continue to aim higher.

Jim Nixon

Other school events:

Drumming masterclass by Jeff Rich

On Tuesday 23rd April, around 200 students enjoyed a music lesson with a difference as former Status Quo drummer Jeff Rich performed a drumming masterclass at the ARC. The students got involved, trying out new rhythms and learning how to do a roll, from the very beginner to the more experienced drummers who showed their fellow pupils how it was done.

Jeff Rich, who toured with Status Quo for 16 years, talked to pupils about the history of the drum and its use in different cultures. His top tip for drummers was to learn how to tune the kit before you play it. He then performed a few spectacular drum rolls of his own to a captivated audience.

Elizabeth Humphries, communications lead at CNS

 

School Events - Week beginning 22 Apr 13 (Week 2)

Events for week

Mon, 22 Apr    Year 10 Mocks
Mon, 22 Apr    AS Drama
Tue, 23 Apr     Year 10 Mocks
Tue, 23 Apr     Jeff Rich from Status Quo:  Drum Masterclass in the ARC
Wed, 23 Apr    Year 10 Mocks
Thu, 24 Apr     Year 10 Mocks
Thu, 24 Apr     Junior Maths Challenge (Year 9 and 10 in Rooms 100 and 114)
Fri, 25 Apr       Year 10 Mocks

Message from Mr Nixon

The school seems a strange place during the holidays and the start of term is always very enjoyable.  Young people bring a real buzz and vibrancy to a school and without them it's just a building.  

Over the holiday it was a real privilege to talk to one of our ‘old CNS boys’ about the school and to reassure him that the values and heritage of CNS were not lost or compromised in any way.  Principles are important; indeed they are crucial when making decisions and when you are challenged.  This can either be as an individual, as a family or within the work place.  Strong principles make difficult decisions easier and when they are deep routed, they are at the very heart of everything you believe in and you don't step backwards; you stand your ground.

One of the many things I love about CNS and the students here is how principled they are from a very young age.  I think that says a lot for the way in which they have been raised, how they are aware of their own views and opinions and how they stand by them.  When interviewing this week, once again all the candidates commented on how confident our students were and how the student panel is one of the most difficult interviews they faced, and so it should be.   In an ever changing world I believe that you cannot afford to lose your principles no matter the situation.  

Jim Nixon

School Events week beginning 15/4/13 (Week 1)

15/4/13            Summer Term starts.

Message from Mr Nixon

Although we break up for Easter today, there is still a great deal happening in the school.  Various revision and catch up classes have been arranged, many tomorrow.   I would ask students who will be taking their exams after Easter, to use their free time wisely. 

When we return on Monday 15th April, there will be various intervention programmes in place with, with a particular focus on underachieving year 11 students.  Although this is an annual event, a new Intervention Assistant for House Leaders was recently appointed so we now have the capacity to increase the intensity and regularity of this provision.  Parents of those students involved will be informed. 

Following the staff meeting and meeting with parents, we will update you soon with regards to the consultation process for academy status.  I would like to remind you that the school is open on Wednesday 10th April to hear views and answer questions regarding academy status.  Meanwhile have a fantastic Easter and I look forward to seeing the students on the 15th April

Jim Nixon
Headteacher

School events week beginning 25/3/13 (week 2)

25/3/13               Y12 Berlin Trip leaves.
27/3/13               Guidance Day.
27/3/13               Open Surgery 15.30.17.30
27/3/13               End of Spring Term.
29/3/13               Ski Trip leaves.
15/4/13               First day of Summer Term.
17/4/13               Year 8 HPV vaccinations.

Message from Mr Nixon

I want to send my thanks to you all for the lovely messages of support we received from parents, carers and the community as we went into our 2 day Ofsted Inspection. 

Having had such a busy week due to the Ofsted visit, I’m looking forward to a relaxing weekend with my family and I wish you and your families a relaxing weekend too.

Jim Nixon

We are grateful for the support you give to our school we would very much appreciate you taking a few minutes to fill out the Ofsted ‘Parent View’ survey. Your feedback and support are vital as we constantly strive to provide the best education possible for your child.

The survey can be accessed at the following address:
http://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk