DearParentsThe assessmentseason is withus all again.Nearly fourhundred stu-

dents took their SATS exams thisyear with both Year 9 and someYear 8 involved. Their behaviourand attendance were excellentand we look forward to some out-standing results later this term.

Year 11 have transferred onto theirRevision Timetable as GCSEs begin.Year 11 have also shown a veryresponsible approach to theseimportant examinations. Year 13leave us this Friday and Year 12have limited study leave.

I would like to add a personalthank you to Year 13 for their con-tribution to de Ferrers over thepast seven years and wish them allthe very best for the future.

The new sports hall is completeand we are awaiting the ‘officialhandover’ next half-term. It istruly a magnificent addition to theresources of de Ferrers. There aremany other smaller premises proj-ects planned for the Summer as weconstantly strive to offer studentsthe best possible learning environ-ment.

We are, naturally, delighted to bedesignated an InternationalBaccalaureate World School. In arecord year of Sixth Form interestfrom our students in Year 11, webelieve the new post-16 curriculumwill allow us to move from strengthto strength.

Our Parents’ Focus Group hasworked very hard on your behalfthis year. I thank them for theircontributions to important collegedevelopments.

principal@deferrers

M A YorkPrincipal

www.deferrers.com

de Ferrers.COMmuniquéde Ferrers.COMmuniquéNumber 040 Summer Half Term 2008

COMMUNICATING THROUGHOUT DE FERRERS SPECIALIST TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE

G I F T E D A N D T A L E N T E D U P D A T E - S E E P A G E 3

International BaccalaureateFollowing a rigorous accreditation process, de FerrersSpecialist Technology College has been authorised asan IBO World School and will deliver theInternational Baccalaureate Diploma Programme,starting in September 2008.

The IBDP is a two year course which many students consideras an excellent alternative to ‘A’ levels. It will be attractive tostudents who have enjoyed studying a wide range of subjectsat GCSE and want to continue doing this post 16. It is anacademically challenging and balanced programme of education,with final examinations that prepare students for success at uni-versity and life beyond.

The programme will be taughtto Years 12 and 13 and is opento all students who meet theentry criteria for post 16 stud-ies. We will, of course, contin-ue to ensure the delivery of acurriculum that meets theneeds of all our students; thefull range of AS and A levelswill still be offered as well as agrowing range of Applied andBTEC courses.

The IBDP is an internationallyrecognised university entry

qualification which was origi-nally designed inthe 1960s. This prestigiousinternational award is recog-nised in over 100 countriesthroughout the world,including many of the topschools in England. The diplo-ma programme is taken by over30,000 students world wideand is now recognised by manyuniversities as a highlyrespected qualification andexcellent preparation foruniversity.

De Ferrershas the fullsupport ofthe LocalAuthority indevelopingand provid-ing this pro-gramme andindeed, itforms a vitalelement inthe LocalAuthority’s14-19 ActionPlan. TheIBDP is alsobeing pro-moted bytheDepartment

for Children, Schools andFamilies. All our members ofstaff who will be deliveringthis programme have alreadyattended or will be attendingtraining courses so that theyare fully prepared to deliverthe new course.

We really do believe that theInternational BaccalaureateDiploma Programme will offersome of our students thechance to study a much broad-er range of subjects post 16than is currently possible. Wealso welcome the opportunityto place a real emphasis on theideals of international under-standing and responsible citi-zenship, which are core valuesof the IBDP. Students followingthis course are expected toshow how they can offer skillsand services back to the socie-ty in which they live and thisfits with our firm belief thatthe development of youngpeople is not just about whathappens in the classroom.

If you would like to find outmore about the IBDP at deFerrers please contactMr P A Galloway 01283 239936or e-mail de Ferrersoffice@deferrers.staffs.sch.uk

Communiqué

de Ferrers Students CelebrateNational Recognition…again!

Following last year’s win by Sinae Hudson andSonham Vadher, the high standard work produced byde Ferrers students was once again recognised thisyear with Emily Lakin and Emma Margetson receiv-

ing runners up awards for their designs to promote theFairtrade brand.

St Paul’s in London providedthe venue for the PrintIT! 2008Awards Ceremony, which sawYear 10 de Ferrers students,Emily and Emma, receiving theirprizes of digital cameras worthover £130 each.PrintIT! is a major initiative toencourage young people toembark on careers in the UKprinting industry. This is a jointventure between the printingindustry (led by Picon, the busi-ness support organisation forsuppliers to the printing indus-try), the Specialist SchoolsTrust and leading charity, TheFairtrade Foundation, which istargeted at Year 10 studentsstudying GCSE GraphicsProducts and Product Design.

Being short-listed was a signif-icant achievement by Emilyand Emma in view of stiff com-petition from over 23,000entries; additionally, a furthersixteen students were awardedcertificates of merit, recognis-ing the quality of their work.The original 23,000 entrieswere submitted by more than500 schools and of these, deFerrers was one of only seven-teen top schools short-listed,reflecting both the high stan-dards set by the college andthose achieved by our stu-dents. I think we can safelysay…de Ferrers got talent!

Further details of the competi-tion and awards can be foundat www.printit.org.uk.

The Duke ofEdinburgh'sBurton OpenAwardThe 2008 expedi-tions are now wellunderway. Overthe May BankHoliday, sixty-six ‘Silver’candidates took to thehills in the Peak Districtfor their practice expedi-tion. Our new trackingsystem was in full opera-tion over the three days.Once the thir-ty- five footaerial waserected, tech-nology tookover and lead-ers were able to track themovements of eachgroup, and even speak tothem if necessary!

A week later it was theturn of the ‘Bronzes’ andtheir training weekend

was a huge success.Ninety-six candidatestook over the campsite atWetton. On day one eachgroup completed a sixkilometre accompaniedwalk and learned how to

map read in thehumid sunshine.They returned tocamp and lead-ers taught tentpitching, ruck-sack packing and

camp craft. On day two,technology came to thefore as the groups weresent out on another sixkilometre walk, this timewithout leaders.Expeditions planned for

June areBronzePractice andSilverAssessment.

Well done toall our deFerrerscandidates.

SKI TRIP TO AUSTRIAOnce again we have had another successful skiing trip.The students had a wonderful time in the very snowyresort of Grossarl in the Amade Ski region. With the snowreaching depths of two metres in places the conditionslent themselves to spectacular skiing and unbelievablescenery.

During the week the students were able to ski from the topgondola station to the bottom. In the evenings the studentswere kept entertained with swimming, a Pizza Night, an Ice-cream Evening and our traditional presentation disco andkaraoke party. Our top skiers this year were Ricky Shilvockand Siobhan Docksey. Miss Port won the staff race. Severalphotographs of the trip have been displayed in college.

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PSFABTEC FIRST CERTIFICATEART AND DESIGNMay 8th was a major event for the college holdingits first exhibition of BTEC First Art and Designwork from the first cohort of Year 11 to achievethe qualification. The exhibition showedstudents’ specialisms in Fine Art, Textiles,Photography, Graphics, Print and Craft.

All students areexpected to passwith one hundredper cent gainingthe equiverlent oftwo GCSEs at C orabove, and manystudents gainingMerit andDistinction grades.

Fourteen teams enjoyedour first Family Quiz Nighton 11th April. NealUpchurch proved to be agreat Quiz Master andeveryone had a goodevening. We raised£146.48 which will beadded to the coffers to kitout part of our new SportsHall. First prize went to“Bonhams & Stores”, sec-ond prize was awarded to“The 4 Musketeers” andthird prize was won by“The Crunch Frogs.” Welldone to them and to theother family teams. Weare hoping to hold anotherFamily Quiz in September.

Our Family Disco andKaraoke evening scheduledfor 9th May was a huge dis-appointment. Only oneticket was sold in the wholecollege and therefore theevent was called off. Wehad a great eveningplanned but obviously itdidn’t appeal to you. Nevermind, we tried.

We sincerely hope you willsupport our next eventwhich is to be anotherCharity Football Match,when our fantastic footballteam will once again meetthe stars of HOLLYOAKS!Yes, we’ve managed to per-suade them to come andplay again to see if they canbeat us! Make a note inyour diary for SUNDAY 15thJUNE. Tickets will be onsale soon – first come, firstserved, so be sure you getyour ticket order in quickly.

Kind regardsPat Thorpe - Chair

G+T UpdateThe staff resposible for Giftedand Talented students wouldlove to hear from anyone whohas been successful in anyevent, both within and outsidecollege, especially at county ornational level.Notable successes so far, involvethe following: ‘Defused’, a Year11 rock band fronted by MaxKendall, beat off stiff competi-tion to a win a place in the finalof the 2008 Staffordshire Rockscompetition which will take placeon June 26th at the StaffordGatehouse; Kane Hemmings inYear 11, a gifted footballer, hassigned a contract with GlasgowRangers, and Ellen Holmes, alsoin Year 11, will be performing ina new show called ‘Endangered’at the Barbican Theatre,Plymouth, in August this yearafter auditioning with YMT:UK,an organisation for the perform-ing arts. Good luck to you all.

June will also see Mr Gradyholding two maths sessions forparents, which will uncover themysteries of InteractiveWhiteboards, Virtual LearningEnvironments and onlineassessments.Can all G&T students pleaseregister with the YG&T website(www.ygt.dcsf.gov.uk) and checkit regularly as there are regularupdates and notices aboutresidential courses etc.If you would like more informa-tion, or help with applicationsplease see Mrs Glover or MrGrady.

KEY STAGE 3 TRIPSDuring the last few weeks wehave taken the Year 7 and Year8 students on their Summerterm trips. These optional tripsare arranged outside collegehours and opportunities forthe students to perhaps visitsomewhere new or try a newskill. This year the Year 7 stu-dents had a very enjoyableevening at Waterworld in Stokewhile the Year 8 students triedtheir hand at ice-skating at theNottingham Arena. Both tripswere very successful. Year 9will soon be receiving their let-ters for their end of year trip toAlton Towers. As with the othertrips it is hoped that we cantake one hundred students.

Reading ConnectsTThhee sshhoorrttlliisstteedd ttiittlleess ffoorrtthhee CCIILLIIPP CCaarrnneeggiiee MMeeddaall22000088 hhaavvee bbeeeennaannnnoouunncceedd.. TThheessee aarreerreeggaarrddeedd aass tthhee bbeesstt bbooookkssppuubblliisshheedd ffoorr yyoouunngg ppeeoopplleeoovveerr tthhee llaasstt yyeeaarr..

Seven children's writers, includ-ing two previous winners and afirst-time novelist, go head tohead for the 2008 CILIPCarnegie Medal. Their storiestake young readers on exhilarat-ing journeys across two millen-nia and three continents thatare guaranteed to challengetheir perceptions of both pastand present.

KEVIN CROSSLEY-HOLLAND -Gatty's Tale

LINZI GLASS - Ruby Red

ELIZABETH LAIRD - Crusade

TANYA LANDMAN - Apache

PHILIP REEVE - Here Lies Arthur

MEG ROSOFF - What I Was

These are all available to borrowfrom both Learning Centres now!If you want to write a review ofthe books on-line, submit yourreview towww.ckg.org.uk/2008awardsand find out more about thebooks, authors and previousCarnegie winners.

Sue MayfieldAward winning author SueMayfield, paid an inspira-tional visit to Dove campuson Wednesday 14th May.She gave talks to classesthroughout the day, aswell as signing books andhaving pictures taken withstudents. She spoke to thestudents about whatinspires her to write booksand answered any ques-tions we had. She alsodescribed what her life islike as an author. Her visitdefinitely encouraged usto buy her books and readfor once!

Rachel Freeman9P4

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Trent CampusSt Mary’s DriveBurton upon TrentDE13 0LLTelephone: 01283 239936Fax: 01283 239950

e-mail: office@deferrers.staffs.sch.uk www.deferrers.com

Dove CampusHarehedge LaneBurton upon TrentDE13 0ASTelephone: 01283 239961Fax: 01283 239971

de FerrersSpecialist Technology CollegePrincipal: Mr M A York BA (Hons) BEd MBA

SPORT Music Notes

RUGBYYear 7 Rugby - Staines Rugby Football Club

Saturday 3rd May saw the Year 7Rugby team travel to Staines RFC tocompete for the chance to play at thehome of Rugby - Twickenham.

The league stage saw de Ferrers playagainst opposition of the very higheststandard and each player, many ofwhom had only been playing a fewmonths, rose to the challenge of theday with the best rugby they had everyplayed and getting better and betteras the day went on. With four veryclose, well played games, de Ferrerswas unable to progress to the Final,but as a consolation the players wereable to watch the annual Army v Navygame at Twickenham amongst a crowdof over 50,000 people.

Well done to:Dan Shaw, Dan Thompson, Ben Ward, TJ Ward, Jack Styne, Grady Brooks,Lewis Doherty, Jakie Waddington,Phoebe Jay, Raida AliAlex Bird, Jamie Jenkins, MattRobinson, Liam Collett, Connor Ellis

DANCEThe Dance Club has had quite abusy term with several perform-ances taking place. The KS3 stu-dents performed in the recentSpring Concert while a selectionof the KS4 Dancers performed inthe Unite Dance Festival at theBrewhouse Arts Centre.In April, members of BurtonCollege brought their annual tourto Dove Campus. After workingwith the Dance Club in a workshopduring the morning they then per-formed their tour pieces to theYear 9 girls and Dance club. It wasrewarding to see ex-studentsshowing their talents on Dovestage.Dance club has now changed itsfocus as we prepare for the annualsummer show. Friday evenings nowmove to the sounds of the 80’s!

ACTIVITY DAYS FOR KS3During the Summer term all of thestudents at KS3 will take part in avariety of days. Thursday 22nd May will see Year 9 taking part in an “Eco-Footprints” day that will help them to understandtheir impact on the environment. In June the Year 8 students will have aHealth Day that will involve both proj-ect/research work and several sportingevents. It is hoped that the BasketballTournament will take place in the newSports Hall on Trent.On July 9th, 10th and 11th the Year 7students will have three days followingan alternative curriculum. They will goon visits to both Bosworth and Conkersand also have one day in college wherein tutor groups they will be involved ina Gardening Challenge. The aim is totransform an area of land on DoveCampus into our own “Chelsea FlowerShow”. This is a new challenge that wewant the Year 7 students to enjoy andtake pride in achieving. We haveapproached some local companies forsponsorship and we are awaiting theirreplies.

DOVE VOICEThis group of eighteen stu-dents continues to be busy onDove working with staff toput together new ideas andsuggestions for the benefit ofthe students and the college.Their work is valued and theyhave recently met with thenew catering manager to dis-cuss ways of expanding thelunchtime menu and provi-sion of food on Dove Campus.We are sure their views willbring about some excitingchanges to what is on offerand how it is served.

We’re now on the hectic run-up tothe end of the year with rehearsalsfor our production of ‘Back to the80s’ in full swing. It’s proving tobe something of a nostalgia tripfor Mrs Glover & Mr Aston (MrGoldstein’s too young!) and wehope that it’ll be the same for you.Tickets will be on sale soon afterhalf term, so dust off your leg-warmers & shoulder pads in prepa-ration…

The Spring Concert in April onceagain proved a great success, withsoloists and ensembles, made up ofmostly Dove students, showing offtheir talents. Dancers, musiciansand actors provided a great eveningof variety with music from ‘HighSchool Musical’, ‘Grease’, ‘TheSimpsons’, Enya, and much more.

Souled Out played their final gig ofthe year over the Bank HolidayWeekend, as they made a triumphant return to Conkers.Following the success of last year’s‘Local Live Aid’ event, they wereinvited back as the headline band.People in the packed amphitheatrewere on their feet as Souled Outfirst performed a tribute to themusic of The Commitments, followedby a set as the backing band for twolocal singers as the Blues Brothers.

There is only one further event toinform you of at the moment. DeFJOwill make their final appearance ofthe 2007-8 season at the TutburyMusic Festival, in the grounds ofTutbury Castle on the afternoon ofSunday 13th July.

Thanks again for all your support.

FOOTBALLCup final: Pingle 1 – 1 de FerrersThe Year 10 District Football Finalwas finally played three weeks agoagainst tough rivals, Pingle. Thematch was the ‘game of the season’with end to end action. Pingle tookan early lead from a controversialpenalty decision. However, a superbtwenty yard left footed lob fromJamie Salt pulled de Ferrers leveljust before half time. Both teamshad opportunities to win the gamein the second half, but neither teamcould capitalise on their chances.The game went into extra time at 1-1 and finished at that score line.There is no penalty shoot out in thefinal, so therefore the Cup is shared.A cracking game to watch and asuper end to the Year 10 season.Well done to the whole team!

BASKETBALLCounty Sup Semi-Final: Cheslyn Hall 28 – 76 de FerrersThe Year 11 super team continuedtheir winning season by easilybrushing aside Cheslyn Hall HighSchool in the Semi-Final of theCounty Cup. It was a moderate per-formance by the undefeated deFerrers squad as the competitionwas well below the standard theywere expecting. The final is to beplayed some time in June, hopefullyin de Ferrers’ new sports hall. Anincredible season, lads, well doneand only one game away from theCounty Cup!

CRICKETThe cricket season is now underwayand it has been a relatively goodstart for de Ferrers. It has been anexcellent start to the season for theYear 7 team coached by Mr Lovall,winning both its opening leaguegame and the first round of theCounty Cup.This hasn’t been the case for theYear 8 team so far. The team,coached by Mr Birt, has lost both ofits opening league games and hasalso made a first round exit from theCounty Cup. The Year 10 team,coached by Mr Hand has also lost itsopening league game, narrowly beaten by a very strong John Taylor team.

Results:Year 7 (League – de Ferrers beat Abbot Beyne)(County Cup 1st round – de Ferrers beat Oldfields)Year 8 (League – Abbot Beyne beat de Ferrers)(League – John Taylor beat de Ferrers)(County Cup 1st round – Friary beat de Ferrers)Year 9 (League – de Ferrers beat John Taylor bydefault)Year 10 (League – John Taylor beat de Ferrers

ATHLETICSDe Ferrers has entered into theNation Athletics competition andthe results of the first round are asfollows:

Junior BoysPosn Points School1 347 De Ferrers Specialist Technology

College, Burton-on-Trent2 338 Chase Terrace Technology College,

Burntwood3 320 The Friary School, Lichfield4 301 Newcastle-under-Lyme School,

Newcastle-under-Lyme5 206 Kingsmead Technology College,

Cannock6 179 Blake Valley Technology College,

Cannock7 159 Hagley Park Sports College, Rugeley8 131 Cheslyn Hay Sport and Community

High School, Walsall

Inter BoysPosn Points School1 361 The Friary School, Lichfield2 297 Newcastle-under-Lyme School,

Newcastle-under-Lyme3 291 Chase Terrace Technology College,

Burntwood4 279 Cheslyn Hay Sport and Community

High School, Walsall5 265 De Ferrers Specialist Technology

College, Burton-on-Trent6 255 Kingsmead Technology College,

Cannock7 171 Hagley Park Sports College, Rugeley

Junior GirlsPosn Points School1 337 Chase Terrace Technology College,

Burntwood2 280 Newcastle-under-Lyme School,

Newcastle-under-Lyme3 216 De Ferrers Specialist Technology

College, Burton-on-Trent4 196 The Friary School, Lichfield5 172 Cheslyn Hay Sport and Community

High School, Walsall6 153 Hagley Park Sports College, Rugeley7 147 Blake Valley Technology College,

Cannock8 64 Kingsmead Technology College,

Cannock

Inter GirlsPosn Points School1 319 Newcastle-under-Lyme School,

Newcastle-under-Lyme2 295 De Ferrers Specialist Technology

College, Burton-on-Trent3 203 The Friary School, Lichfield4 179 Chase Terrace Technology College,

Burntwood5 164 Hagley Park Sports College, Rugeley6 99 Kingsmead Technology College,

Cannock7 92 Cheslyn Hay Sport and Community

High School, Walsall

Congratulations to all the athleteswho represented the school. Everyoneworked really hard for the team andproduced some excellent results!