Schools News (Including double celebration for Thomas Coram C of E School)

Double celebration for Thomas Coram C of E School

Pupils at The Thomas Coram Church of England School in Berkhamsted have enjoyed a double celebration: news of an ‘Outstanding’ school inspection result and their first visit from the new Rector of St Peter’s Church.

The newly released Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) Report praised the junior school for meeting the needs of all learners, commended the impact of its collective worship on the school community - and singled out the effectiveness of its leadership and management.

The SIAMS Report provides a perspective on church schools to complement the Ofsted inspection, which last year awarded Thomas Coram a ‘Good’ rating across the board.

Headteacher Rob Halls said: “We’re particularly proud be declared Outstanding considering it’s only been a year since we were re-designated as a 7-11 junior school from a 9-13 middle school under the Berkhamsted schools reorganisation.

“Five years ago SIAMS gave us a ‘Good’ rating and it’s now very satisfying for pupils, staff, parents and governors to see the recognition for the improvements we’ve all worked together to achieve. The report also identified areas for improvement, which matched what we had identified ourselves as our priorities.”

The newly appointed Rector of St Peter’s Church in the town, The Reverend Canon Timothy Pilkington, added his own tribute as he dropped in for an informal visit to watch rehearsals for the Years 3 and 4 Christmas production, ‘A Midwife Crisis’. He said: “It’s wonderful to become part of the Thomas Coram family and help them live their motto of ‘Living for learning and caring for all’. Talking to pupils, it’s very clear that they understand the significance of the school’s core values of respect, responsibility and friendship and the Christian significance behind these. I look forward to getting to know everyone and sharing in the life of the school.”

To read the report in full or for more information about The Thomas Coram School, visit www.thomascoram.herts.sch.uk

Success for JFK students from badminton court to dancefloor

The Year 10 girls Badminton team from John F Kennedy Catholic School came runners up in the Under 16 County final based at Herts Sports Village on Tuesday 2nd December.

They won their group stage beating Turnford School and Roundwood Park School.

In the second round, the girls faced tough competition from the winners of their other groups. They beat Queenswood School and finally lost to a superb St Clement Danes side, to become silver medallists.

Carla Davison is a natural leader and captained the team with confidence on the day; Eleanor Canning was a great team player; Chloe Fitzsimmons showed her sporting prowess around the court and Jessica Lochan-Jenkinson lead the way in terms of her technical badminton ability.

This is a great achievement for the girls involved for all their hard work and training as well as for the status of Badminton at John F Kennedy Catholic School School.

The school is also celebrating being invited to perform at this year’s Christmas lights-switch on for 2015 in Warners End.

Dacorum borough councillor for Chaulden and Warners End Fiona Guest attended last month’s event where students from John F Kennedy danced a medley from Grease.

This bought back fond memories for Councillor Guest, who remembers Grease from the first time round!

The John F Kennedy students were so good that Councillor Guest would like them to give a performance at 2015’s switch-on.

Well done to all the students who took part.

Senior citizens enjoy Christmas fun thanks to Longdean pupils

Longdean School held its annual Senior Citizens’ Party attended by more than 40 elderly people from the local community.

The guests enjoyed food and drink served by student volunteers. They were also entertained by BTEC Music students performing pieces as part of their coursework.

The party was hosted by students, many of whom were volunteering as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award.

Santa put in an appearance to distribute presents donated by students, parents and staff.

Cavendish marks end of 2014 with awards ceremony

At the end of the Christmas term Cavendish School hosted an Awards Evening for last year’s Year 11, 12 and 13 students.

Students were invited to collect examination certificates and also for some there were awards for subject areas based on improvement and achievement. This was a fantastic opportunity to welcome back students after their first term at university or college.

The School welcomed guest speaker Jez Moxey, current chief executive of Wolverhampton Wanderers football club and a former Cavendish student.

He gave a speech about his time at the school, his subsequent career and the importance of making the most of opportunities in life and not being afraid of failure. He also presented students with two free tickets to any Wolverhampton Wanderers home game, something the school and the students were very excited about.

Students achieving highest subject specific awards at GCSE were: Sahibul Islam, Elisha Grillo-Smith, Abbey Holdsworth, Weng Cheong, Maia Alcendor, Katie Kay, Emma Viner, Lana Charge, Jake Waterfield, Chelsea Kyeremateng, Allie Hadley, Jodie Stone, Ashley Lee, Sophie Leppard, Amber Wright. AS Level subject highest achievers: Kai Lewis, Lewis Montague, Amy Davis, Luke Collyer-Hoar, Quinton Edey, Paige Rowlett, Christy McBride, Fredrick Kitchen, Amber Lord,

A-Level subject highest achievers: Jessica Byrne, Emily Mann, Jessica Eykel, Megan Jackson, Josh Hancock, Megan Smith, Jake Conroy, Hannah Roseblade.

And finally overall highest achievers in their year groups, GCSE Weng Cheong and Ellie Marwick. AS Level: Luke Collyer-Hoar, and A-Level Michael Ferguson and Amy Wilson.  

Well done to all of our students and we wish you more success in the future.