End of Term Echo

School Communications
Thank you for reading the e-echo this term. The e-echo will resume in its current format in the autumn term for a short while. From October, school information can then be found on the new school website which is currently being redesigned. I will of course inform you exactly when this will happen so please continue looking out for the e-echo when the new term begins. There is also a school Facebook page www.facebook.com/CNSschool and Twitter page @cns_school.

There are lots of exciting things happening in communications next term as well as more student involvement in the form of student ‘Communication Ambassadors’ within the sixth form and the high school. Enjoy the holidays.

Elizabeth Humphries
Communications Lead
CNS

 Setting across Key Stage 3

As students move through the school, setting arrangements change each year to ensure we are appropriately supporting and challenging students at the right level. The school website has updated information about setting at Key Stage 3 for September 2013; please find this information here.

www.cns-school.org/pdfs/Settingdoc201314v1.pdf

Sixth Form Leadership Team
The Sixth Form Team interviewed and appointed the first members of its student-led Sixth Form Leadership Team this week, with Iola Reynolds-Rapport, Emily Sims, Cicely Ryder-Belson and Ellis Stone being appointed as Community Leaders. These students will be responsible for co-ordinating Community Events within CNS, including the Community Exchange Scheme and the Year 13 Prom.

Ross Lawson and Holly Duffield were appointed as Communications Leaders and will work closely with Ms Humphries to ensure that the excellent events our Sixth Form students participate in on a regular basis are communicated to the community.

In supporting Communications roles, Alicia Cordell will be Editorial Ambassador, Beatrice Howard will be Publicity Ambassador and Chione Hardy will be Social Media Ambassador.

All students demonstrated excellent interview skills and an enthusiasm to make a difference within the school. Congratulations to all students appointed and a huge thank you to Miss Cater and Mrs Humphries for their assistance with the interviews conducted.

Ms Sedgwick(KS5 Progress Co-ordinator)

 Psychology students at the UEA

On the 4^th and 11^th of July, A level Psychology students visited the UEA Psychology Department in order to gain a wider knowledge of the subject from both students and lecturers there. The day was particularly useful for those considering studying Psychology beyond A level as students were given an insight into what it’s like to take the subject at University.

The days involved a series of sessions focusing on different topics and aspects of Psychology and included a great opportunity to experience Psychology from a different perspective by taking part in research involving evaluation of artwork. After participating, students were later de-briefed and shown how the concept of ‘anchoring’ works when making judgments.

Along with this, students listened to a talk about Superstitions and Magical Thinking and the effect that they can have. They were also given a lecture about the mass murderer Anders Breivik- in this, they took a closer look at him as a person and considered potential problems and causes for his actions from a psychological viewpoint, applying knowledge from their course to a real life case.

Overall, the day was enjoyed by all, students describing it as “informative” and “exciting”.
Ms Sims

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cricket

Congratulations to the CNS U14s team, winners of the Norwich U14 schools cricket league!

 Don't forget...The CNS Summer Holiday Great Gorilla Challenge

For year 6-7 students and our current year 7s going into year 8.
The prize is a £20 gift voucher - prize per House per year group.
Over the Summer holidays 119 Gorillas will create a trail over the city of Norwich.

Challenge:

1)Plan an adventure day (or two), pack a picnic, take a friend or your family and go and find all 53 Gorillas on the trail.
2)Take a digital camera, or ensure you have a phone with the ability to take pictures. Take a picture with every gorilla you find.
3)Upload your pictures to a computer and paste your pictures onto a word document, or other programme, making the photos small to ensure you can fit them all on a minimal amount of pages.
4)Ensure the names of those you went Gorilla hunting with are on the sheet, along with your tutor groups.
5)Your names will be entered into the prize draw to win a £20 gift voucherWhen you return to school

Find the main trail map on this link :

http://gogogorillas.co.uk/trail-maps/
Good luck and have fun.
Michelle Cater

 

 

 

Important dates

Thursday 5^th September: Autumn term begins. Arrive at school 8.35am.

Friday 6^th September: Sixth form assembly.
After school : We Will Rock You rehearsals (ARC)

Monday 9^th Sept:

After school:  House team meetings (venue tbc)

Wed 11^th Sept: School photographer in

After school: Y13 Prize giving (6pm-8.30pm)

Thursday 12^th September:

After school : Y7 and Y12 Welcome evening (6pm-8.30pm)

Friday 13^th Sept:

After school: We Will Rock You rehearsals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School News - week beginning 22nd July

Message from the Headteacher

On Wednesday evening there was a fantastic music concert with all the performances based around the work done in lessons; it was a real pleasure to be there.  This Sunday the music theme continues with various professional jazz musicians and CNS students performing in the Arc starting at 7pm (see more details on the website).

As summer has finally reached us, it’s wonderful to see so many happy faces on the numerous people out and about enjoying this long awaited weather. 

One of my favourite holiday destinations is Parga on mainland Greece.  The town is gorgeous, full of old buildings with a stunning harbour and a beautifully coloured sea.  In the summer, Parga attracts many tourists, most of which are from Italy (just across the water), Greece and Germany.  One of the great pleasures we would have as a family was being in the sea as the boys played on their body boards or swimming out to one of the small islands nearby.  The evenings always involved sitting in a taverna by the waterside watching people walk by on the promenade whilst enjoying a relaxing meal (with plenty of olives).  The perfect way to spend a warm evening.

Term ends on Wednesday and I wish everyone a fantastic summer holiday.  Enjoy the sunshine!

Jim Nixon

Important dates coming up

July
Wednesday 24^th July – End of term
Wednesday 24^th July – End of Year 10 work experience

 September

Thursday 5^th September – First day of term
Wednesday 11^th September  - School photographer in
Wednesday 11^th September – Year 13 leavers 2013 Celebration Evening
Thursday 12^th September – Year 7 and Year 12 Welcome Evening, 6pm-8.30pm
Thursday 19^th September – Year 10 GCSE Evening 6pm-9pm
Thursday 26^th September – Year 12 2012/1013 Celebration Evening

Events coming up

Charity jazz concert with CNS students and visiting musicians

On Sunday 21^st July CNS is hosting a charity jazz concert featuring the school jazz band and professional musicians in the ARC auditorium. The concert is in aid of an orphanage in Kibera, Nairobi. The concert begins at 7pm and doors open at 6pm. Tickets are £7.50, £5 for concessions. This will be an exciting opportunity for our musicians to work and perform alongside professionals as well as show casing some of the excellent skills from our students as well as a chance for us to support a very worthwhile cause. Please come along and support us.

Mr Sunderland

 

Previous Events

Cricket
CNS v Sewell Park, June 20^th 2013
CNS won by 7 Wickets

Festival of Literature

On Friday 12^th July we took 15 nominated students from year 9 to the UEA’s first festival of Literature (FLY). The day started with a session led by author Anthony McGowan on the relationship between truth and fiction. Students were then given the opportunity to develop their own writing skills in workshops before meeting another author Julia Bell.  We were given the opportunity to listen to the openings of her 3 novels, ‘Massive’, ‘Dirty Work’ and – soon to be released – ‘The Dark Light’.  The day concluded with a Poetry Slam where students from 4 local schools competed in a poetic battle.  The highlight of the day was definitely performances from Tim Clare, Mixy, Mark Grist and Luke Wright who rappeed about tractors and rhymed about food poisoning. These poets are really worth a watch, some of their work can be found on youtube. We would like to thank the students for their outstanding behaviour on the day; they really did make it a pleasure.
Miss Ward and Ms Witting.

 Prom

The Prom was truly beautiful this year and the students were a real credit to CNS.
All credit to Dawn for the superb organisation of the students throughout the year and Jo for the event management alongside Jo.
Mrs Tillyard

 Norwich Summer School, July 2013

12 of our Oxbridge group spent a week at the Norwich Summer School at the Cathedral.
Here a couple of testimonies from the students.

We were set up with two interviews with experts, one gernal and one subject orientated (medicine for me). We had help with personal statements and it was a great chance to meet more people going for the same course as you. Also, I gained many contacts for future interview practices and people who would read and analyse my personal statement. Fantastic week! Jack Fielding

 I found the summer school truly invaluable. Not only did they help with choosing universities and admission processes, but the subject tutorials also gave me material to help with both my A2 exams, and to talk about in any university interviews. I would recommend the summer school, the professional tutors are incredibly helpful and teach you new learning techniques that you can use in the future. Also, the food’s amazing. Beatrice Howard.

 Congratulations to…

Gardening Club

Congratulations to the gardening club who came first in a section of the Anglia in Bloom Schools competition. CNS won first prize for their Herb Display and came 3^rd in the Waterwise competition. Well done to Ms Witting and her team.

Biopunks

The Biopunks team which involves 18 Year 9 students have been working on  a project for 2 hours a week with Dr Kay Yeoman, a senior lecturer of Biology at UEA, to "Quality Control Probiotic Products". On Wednesday  10th July, the students presented their findings to parents, SLT, governors, peers, and academics from UEA.  They conducted three different tests on 4 different products (Daily wellbeing capsules, Actimel, Antibloat sachets and Yakult) to identify the names of the bacteria present, to count the numbers of cultures present against the number quoted by the manufacturers and to see how well they survived in the acidic conditions of the stomach before moving to the gut.

Their results were very conclusive and were presented exceptionally well.  The students were then presented their certificates by Jan Cockburn from the British Science Association for their Silver CREST Award.

Miss Nichols

Science Olympiad competitors

At the beginning of July, four students from each of Yr 7,8 and 9 along with twelve Yr 12 students competed in a variety of competitions against other Norfolk and Suffolk schools at the Science Olympiad at UEA.  Tasks ranged from turbine propelled cars, iodine clocks, spectroscope boxes, and make your own burettes.  The students also attended the annual memorial lecture this year from Dr Ken Farquhar on saving the environment.  CNS came away with the bronze medal in the Yr12 competition with Tilly Ansell, Jawaria Syed, Hannah Thraxton-Duell and Rebecca Casson showing excellent skill in their accuracy.  Well done to all competitors as they represented CNS proudly.
Miss Nichols

Parents – take note:

 KS3 Science

At the end of year 9, all students sit their final tests for KS3 Science. We use these results along with year 9 overall progress to help with setting for GCSEs. We recommend that all students have a revision guide to help them prepare for this and throughout KS3 Science. The cost of these books in the shops is £9.99, but we have been able to get these much cheaper and the cost to students is £3.75. The book is designed to offer mini tutorials and then at the back offers a vast range of questions linked to the content for students to test themselves. A perfect means of revision for unit tests and the final exams. Payment should be made to the finance office, where students will then  be given a ticket to collect their books from me in room 101 or room 104. If there are financial difficulties and you are not able to make this payment, but would like to get hold of one of these books, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours Sincerely,
Miss Nichols

 Coming up…BioPunks 2014

This year we once again open up the opportunity for Yr9 students in Sept to embark upon a CREST award with the School of Biological Sciences.  Yr9s will be given letters in September in order to sign up.  For further information see Mrs Jarrold in room 45.

 Environmental Lab Rats

A new club starts in Sept, looking at the role of CNS in tackling environmental issues in our county.  This is open to all of KS3 and will be led by 6th form students.  Again letters will be sent out in Sept and this will work on a first come basis.  The club will work towards entry into the Science and Arts INSPIRE competition. For further  information see Mrs Walker or Ms Nichols in the Skinner Centre.

CNS Summer Holiday Great Gorilla Challenge!

 

 

For year 6-7 students and our current year 7s going into year 8.
The prize is a £20 gift voucher – prize per House per year group. 10 prizes in all.

 Over the Summer holidays 119 Gorillas will create a trail over the city of Norwich.

Challenge:

1)      Plan an adventure day (or two), pack a picnic, take a friend or your family and go and find all 53 Gorillas on the trail.

2)      Take a digital camera, or ensure you have a phone with the ability to take pictures. Take a picture with every gorilla you find.

3)      Upload your pictures to a computer and paste your pictures onto a word document, or other programme, making the photos small to ensure you can fit them all on a minimal amount of pages.

4)      Ensure the names of those you went Gorilla hunting with are on the sheet, along with your tutor groups.

5)      Your names will be entered into the prize draw to win a £20 gift voucherWhen you return to school

Find the main trail map on this link :

http://gogogorillas.co.uk/trail-maps/
Good luck and have fun.
Michelle Cater

 

 

 

 

 

School News - week beginning 15th July

Latest news and dates to remember

Reporting to parents
Once we return to school in September, we will be redesigning the format of our reports. Parental insight into this would be welcomed as we strive to make our reporting as informative and effective as possible. If you would like to take part in sessions aimed at developing reporting, please register your interest by e mailing Mr Sprake – m.sprake@cns-school.org

Parents’Forum

You are cordially invited to the next Parents’ Forum on Thursday 18^thJuly 7-8.15pm in the Sixth Form Common Room.

This is an opportunity for us to tell you about the work of the school and also for you to give us your concerns, views and ideas. Come along to hear from Mr.Nixon about the recent Ofsted Monitoring Visit and an update on our partnership with the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Come and hear about the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme in our school. Come and meet Liz Humphries, our Communications Lead, who will be looking for your views on communications.

Join us for refreshments. Look forward to seeing you there.

CNS Governors

Exam results information
For A level examinations taken in May/June 2013, the results day is:
Thursday 15^thAugust 2013
For GCSE examinations taken in May/June 2013, your results day is:
Thursday 22^ndAugust 2013

On both days, please collect them from the 6^th form common room between 9.30am and 12pm. Exam results which are not collected will be posted home. If you are unable to collect your results, you can nominate another person to do so. The nominated person MUST bring written consent from the student, and ID (eg passport, driving licence) for themself.

Last day of term: Wednesday 24^th July

Year 6 induction

On Tuesday 11^th July, a group of Year 7 students acted as excellent CNS ambassadors, guiding and settling in our new students. The ambassadors supported tutor activities, trails, drama and House activities throughout the day. There were lots of reassurances from the ambassadors about not getting lost after the first few weeks and how good it is to get your homework done as soon as its set. Wise words indeed. At lunchtime the ambassadors were justifiably rewarded with a BBQ. Well done to our current Year 7 and a warm welcome to our new Year 7.
Jean Tillyard

Jazz concert

On Sunday 21^st July, CNS is hosting a charity jazz concert featuring the school jazz band and professional musicians in the ARC auditorium. The concert is in aid of an orphanage in Kibera, Nairobi. The orphanage is voluntarily run by Margaret who is local to Kibera. She looks after 13 children from age 3 months to 8 years.
This will be an exciting opportunity for our musicians to work and perform alongside professionals as well as showcasing some of the excellent skills from our students, along with supporting a very worthwhile cause.
James Sunderland

Dates:
Monday 15^thJuly
Work experience starts, Year 10
Tuesday 16^thJuly
Lunchtime clubs
MFL film club (room 201)
After school clubs
Orchestra practice (Arc)
Wednesday 17^thJuly
Lunchtime clubs
Christian Union (room 113)
British sign language (room 2)
Debating Society (room 20)
After school clubs
Computer club (room 62)
Biopunks (room 104)
Thursday 18th July
After school clubs
SEND students (room 48)
Friday 19th July
After school
We will rock you rehearsals (Arc)

School news - week beginning 8th July

Message from Headteacher Jim Nixon

 You may remember I mentioned last week, our monitoring visit on the 21^st June as part of Ofsted’s programme of getting ‘Requires Improvement’ schools to ‘Good’ as quickly as possible.  The report has been published on our website and highlights the determined start we have made along with the various improvements that have taken place in the two months since the full inspection. 

 Our strategy of having a termly action plan (underpinned by an overall two year plan) to ensure that pace and rigour is recognised, as is our continued work on teaching and learning.  The report also highlights our extensive lesson observation system and our students being keen to learn.  The commitment of governors and their support and challenge of the school is similarly praised.  I would like to say again that I found the day challenging yet invigorating. 

 The report states that we are taking effective action to tackle the areas requiring improvement and highlights the need to be consistent in our marking as there is some exemplary practice taking place.  The report also asks us to take further action ‘to ensure that our lesson observation system recognises the extent to which accurate assessment is used to structure the effective learning of all abilities’.   At present we are devising a new action plan for next term to ensure the pace of improvement continues.  We are implementing plans in areas where work was considered to be too easy and not stretching students. 

 On the evening of Sunday 21st July there will be a Charity Jazz Concert at CNS.  It will be featuring professional musicians along with some of our students.  Please come along as it will be a fantastic evening.  Tickets are available from the main school reception. 

 I hope you enjoy what is meant to be the hottest weekend of the year so far!

 Jim Nixon

 

Important dates for parents
Tuesday 9^th July : Year 6 induction day

 Important dates for Governors

Wednesday 10^th July : Full meeting, Skinner, room 112

 Important dates for Students

Friday 12^th July : Year 11 Prom!

 

Dates
Monday 8^th July
Blakeney Awards Assembly (Arc 8.35-9am)
Tuesday 9^th July
Holkham Awards Assembly (Arc 8.35-9am)
Year 6 induction day
Lunchtime clubs
MFL film club (room 201)
After school clubs
Creative writing club (Learning centre)
Wednesday 10^th July
Kelling Awards Assembly (Arc 8.35-9am)
Lunchtime clubs
Christian Union meeting (room 113)
British sign language (room 2)
Debating society (room 20)
After school clubs
Computing club (room 25)
Biopunks (room 104)
Full Governors meeting (6pm-10pm Skinner,room 112)
Thursday 11^th July
Thornham Awards Assembly (Arc 8.35-9am)
After school clubs
SEND students (room 28)
Jazz band (Arc)
Garden club
Friday 12^th July
Winterton Awards Assembly (Arc, 8.35-9am)
Yr 12 UCAS start
15 Y9 students to UEA for the Festival of Literature for Young People
After school
We Will Rock You – rehearsals
Yr 11 Prom (Drayton Old Lodge 7-11pm)