Uppingham Community College

CHRISTMAS SHOEBOXES

Thank you to all who contributed to the Operation Christmas Child shoebox

appeal. We have sent over sixty shoe boxes of goodies off on their journey to Eastern Europe. Well done to the enrichment group who co-ordinated the collection and packaging of the boxes! Maybe next year we can make it over the hundred!

by Mrs Martin

Newsletter: December 2010

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SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONKeep informed by updating your contact details.

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YEAR 11 TRIP TO BERLINHistory comes alive when Year 11 students go to Germany.

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NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUMCreepy Crawlies and Dinosaurs up close!

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ANOTHER CHILDREN IN NEED SUCCESS

The Students of UCC have again made a huge success out of raising money for Children In

Need by dressing up, baking cakes, dancing and much more. We are, at time of going to print, approaching a total raised of about £2000. It would be great to reach this total, so everyone is urged to fi nish collecting their sponsorship and hand it in to Student Services as soon as possible. Many thanks go to all who contributed or took part for their ongoing generosity. The next big Charity event will be Red Nose Day in March.

by Mrs Sellers

Left: Steph Bridger, Elaine Bird, Anna Petty, Ruth Rawlings & Jan Turner

HEALTHY LIVING AWARD

We are delighted to announce that

Uppingham Community College has gained the Healthy Schools Award. The College focuses on healthy lifetyles in all aspects of College life from catering and Physical Activity to the PHSE programmes.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

The Catering Department wish

everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you in January when a new menu will be launched.

SCHOOL MUSICAL‘The Wizard of Oz’ at UCC in March 2011.

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NETBALLYear 9 Netball Team fi nishes 2nd in their league.

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FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYDespite freezing temperatures, the day was a blast!

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HPV VACCINATIONS

Tuesday 11th January1st VaccinationAll Year 8 Girlsby Mrs Shelley

www.ucc.rutland.sch.uk/ufos_index.htm

- A Varied Menu of Activities- Childcare- Community Access- Parenting Support- Swift and Easy Access to Specialist Support Services

Extended Services in theUppingham Family of Schools

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UNIFORM UPDATE

We have been very pleased with the response to the new

uniform introduced last year and feel that our students look and feel much smarter and are a credit to the school. The new PE kit is being phased in and all items (including the long awaited sports top) are now available to purchase from the school shop. The Maroon jumper will continue to be the colour for future Year 11. I would however be very grateful if you could include tie tying lessons into your Christmas itinerary! A signifi cant number of students seem to wear ties at half mast whereas the expectation is that ties should be fully fastened. Also during the bad weather it is advisable that students wear coats to and from college – but not hoodies. All items of clothing should be clearly marked please.

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IMPORTANT DATES

Term BeginsMusic Intrumental Lessons (begin)Boy’s Primary Football (4.30-6pm)Yr 11 GCSE Additional/Triple Science Biology Modules (am)Yr 11 GCSE Additional/Triple Science Chemistry Modules (am)Yr 11 GCSE Additional/Triple Science Physics ModulesYr 11 GCSE Geography Sustained Decision Making (pm)Yr 10 GCSE Drama Pantomime (pm)Yr 11 Reports Home

Girls’ Primary Football (4.30-6pm)Yr 11 Parents’ Evening (4-6pm)Inter Maths Challenge (Yrs 9-11)Family Activity Day (10am-3pm)Yr 9 Profi les HomeYr 10 & 11 Poetry Live GCSE ConferenceBoy’s Primary Football (4.30-6pm)Theme/Challenge DayYr 9 Parents’ Evening (4-6pm)Yr 8 French Visit to Mayenne, FranceSki TripSpring BreakTerm Begins

JANUARY

4th10th11th13th17th

19th20th

26th

FEBRUARY

1st2nd3rd5th9th15th

16th

18th-21st18th-26th21st-25th28th

HO M E/SC H O O L C O M M U N I C AT I O N

P lease cont inue to keep us informed of any c hanges to the main contact

mobi le te lephone number and e-mai l address in order to cont inue to receive impor tant updates.

Dear parents and guardians,

I am very pleased to confi rm that since my last communication with you we have been formally granted our order from the Secretary of State for Education to proceed with our conversion to an Academy. This progression marks a signifi cant landmark in the history of the college and it is timely that it is happening in the 90th anniversary year since the college fi rst opened in November 1920.

On that day the college, then known as Uppingham Central School, had a grand total of 31 pupils and the headmaster noted in his journal that even though the weather was very harsh and wintry during that week all the children, even those from Caldecott and other outlying villages, all managed to walk into school. Our present students were somewhat taken aback by that fact – though they might have sympathised a little during our recent cold weather snap!

The college has changed a great deal since those days. The children evacuated from Camden school would not recognise our present buildings at all. However what I hope they would still feel is the community atmosphere and a strong sense that each student is valued as an individual – despite our growth from 31 to 873 students.

And that will not change as we move to our next stage as an academy – in fact our aim is to develop the college to become a centre of excellence in all areas – to benefi t students, staff and the community to maximum effect.

I am also very pleased to announce that we have received our Healthy Schools Award and congratulate all staff who contributed to that success.

Congratulations also to Ms Achard and to Mr Dolan who both became parents recently.

I hope that you all have a very happy Christmas holiday and I wish you health and happiness for the New Year.

JAN TURNERPrincipal

Half Windsor Knot

BA CREST AWARDS

CREST is a nationally recognised award run by the British Association for Science. All Year 9 students will

have the opportunity to carry out a scientifi c project of their choosing. They will spend 10 hours working on their project to enable them to be considered for a Bronze CREST Award.

9JM have been the fi rst tutor group to start their projects and here is just a fl avour of their creative ideas:

- How much energy is still left in rabbit faeces?- How realistic is the sell by date on milk?- How safe is your school uniform?- How does age affect your memory?- What makes the best volcanic eruption?

They have also investigated the penetration of arrows and burnt various wood fuels.

We hope to celebrate the success of some of their projects at the regional CREST fi nals in June.

Any businesses who would like to get involved in CREST please contact the school.

by Dr Major

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Above: Investigating the strength of the school uniform. Below: Investigating the penetration of different types of arrow.

FACT FINDING

In October, Year 8 enjoyed a day at the Natural History Museum.

They walked with dinosaurs, crept with the creepy crawlies and erupted with volcanoes. The blue whale was greeted with gasps of amazement, but the large spider did not get the same response. Students gathered facts during the visit and were keen to get involved with the interactive exhibits. A few students were able to question the entomologists who had brought out additional specimens for visitors to look at. An enjoyable and informative day was had by all.

by Dr Major

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SCONGRATULATIONS

Ana Webber was awarded a grant from Leicestershire County Council’s ‘Go Gold Talented

Athlete Fund’. This will allow Ana to aim high and fulfil her acheivements in Tennis. This grant is awarded to athletes who are top level County and National players within their chosen sport.

NEW DIRECTIONS GROUP YEAR 10

Module 12 within our current topic requires us

to carry out in-depth studies and create reports using visual and written information. To support our studies we went to visit Coventry Cathedral. In the cathedral we were shown around by a tour guide and looked at the history, art and symbolism found in this religious building. We enjoyed hearing about the creation of the glass windows especially the West Window. We are now working on an illustrated study of the man who created this glass etching – John Hutton.

Before we went to Coventry we went for a walk along to Uppingham Parish Church and had a tour there with Father David Maudlin. He showed us the layout of the church and told us why some things are where they are and what they are called. We all know a lot more and have some interesting things to write about. We were shown around both places by volunteers and were surprised that people do this sort of thing for free. Before we went to the church we had a chat and a drink in Don Paddy’s and the best thing was that the Hairy Bikers were there and they came over to see why we weren’t in school. They were very friendly and interested in our trip to the church.

by Year 10

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PRESENTATION EVENING

We held our annual Presentation Evening on Friday 12th November and our guest speaker was Sarah Outen. She gave an inspirational address to the students who really appreciated having such an excellent role model to address them. Year 11 of 2010 were an outstanding year group and their individual and collectives successes were fully celebrated in the evening. There were also performances by the college band and the fl ute group. Our distinguished guests also commented on how wonderful the evening was.

SPECIAL ACADEMIC COMMENDATIONS

ALICE CLAYTON

BILLIE BOGG

NOA SAPIR

EMILY COPPERTHWAITE

IMOGEN DUFFIN

OWEN EVANS

JONATHAN ASHWIN

PRIZEWINNERS - TROPHIES AND AWARDSTHE JENNINGS CUP Brodie Crellinfor Fine ArtTHE JENKINS AWARD Carrie Coningsbyfor Painting & Drawing

THE BOYSE CUP Emily Barnaclefor Design and Craft

THE HEATHCOTE AWARD Alex Claterfor Geography

THE BAILEY CUP Alex Claterfor Mathematics

THE TALBOT-SMITH CUP Nicolau Matherfor Music

THE SWINFEN CUP Carl Jonesfor Achievement in Science

THE DE VOYLE CUP Patrick Wilsonfor Ability shown in the Graphics Area of Design

THE MISS C E JOYCE AWARD Sarah Stewartfor Textiles

THE BUSINESS STUDIES CUP Alex Claterfor ICT

THE WISE AWARD Hollie Calverfor Progress in Information Technology

THE FIELD TROPHY Edward Crouchfor Overall Contribution to College Sport

THE SALLY REDDIN AWARD Charlotte CotterAthletics

THE HOLMES AWARD Oliver Hortonfor Outstanding Attainment Boys

THE RUTLAND LADIES’ CIRCLE CUP

Anya Wicikowskifor Contribution to the Year

THE WILLIAM TROWER AWARD

Jonathan Ashwinfor Commitment to Sport Outside of College

THE THOMAS LEM CUP Phoebe Marshallfor Citizenship

THE MISS E G BROWN CUP Ellen Gregoryfor English

THE INNER WHEEL AWARD Kate MacLeodfor Outstanding Attainment Girls

THE CAMPBELL-SUMNER CUP Kimberley Daviesfor Determination and Commitment to Progress

THE HARNETT AWARD Matthew Ellisfor Contribution to Outdoor Education

THE WILKS TROPHIES (previously known as Korodi)

Rae-Ellen CollinsBen Collins

for Outstanding Achievement in Sport

THE RUTLAND LIONS’ AWARD

Oliver Hortonfor Maths & Science

THE BREEZE CUP Brodie Crellinfor History

THE MILLER TROPHY Sebastian KeightleyTechnology

THE WHIGHT CUP Callum Harrisfor Information Technology

THE RICHARD BAKER CUP Natasha Whearityfor Performing Arts

THE FARM PROTECTION LTD AWARD

Helena Bennettfor German

THE BRIGHT CUP Rachel Jacksonfor Progress in Sport

THE SIMPSON AWARD Kate MacLeodfor French

THE GOVERNORS’ TROPHY Edward BishopSophie Newbold

for Year Involvement

THE MATTHEWS CUP AND ROTARY AWARD

Lauren ReidMaria Katsipi

for Contribution to College Life

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HORSE RIDING

My eventing at Level 4 has really taken off

this year. It really began when I qualifi ed for the Pony Club Eventing National Championships and when all the results for the teams were in, the team won, which meant we all qualifi ed. We then competed at the Area Show Jumping and Dressage Competitions and managed to be placed 5th and 6th in both, but didn’t quite manage to qualify.

Just 2 weeks later, we went to the National Championships to compete in the Dressage and came in 3rd at the end of the day! We then went on to do our Show Jumping and Cross-Country events.

Having a good Show Jumping and Cross-Country event, put me in an amazing 5th place. The team came 3rd on the podium 2nd year running!

I was then asked to compete at the Show Jumping Competition at the Burghley House Trials. I had a very good day there. I was only a few points away from the top 10 teams.

My team also Jumped at the East of England Showground. We jumped 1M and I came 3rd in the Individuals and the team won! I am also hoping to go Open Eventing next year and also start doing some British Eventing in the future.

by Rebecca Williams

ECO-SCHOOLS UPDATE

The Eco-Schools Action Team have continued with a number of projects

this term. As well as the very successful plastic bottle recycling scheme which we have set up and have responsibility for, we have begun work on a number of other schemes. We have created our own UCC Eco-Code, which is in the form of a tune, called ‘Don’t Be Fuelish’. We have been working with Mrs Bridger in the canteen to see how eco-friendly they are and are planning to make some Fairtrade foods for sale on special

occasions. We have re-vamped the ‘Please shut the door’ stickers around the school – very important to help keep out energy bills down, and are also promoting a new Shoe Recycling Facility to be based in the car park. The UCC Eco-Schools web pages will be launched in the New Year.

Breaking News: We have just been awarded our Eco-Schools Silver Award!

Our new target will therefore be to reach Green Flag status by the summer.

by Mr Anderson

CONGRATULATIONS

Three students have completed their Level 1 NICAS Climbing Award

SKYE THOMAS

GEORGE SCOTT

CHARLIE CLIFF

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UCC CLIMBING WALL

Climbing potentially could be undertaken as part of P.E lessons. This

will be offered in small groups and led by a qualified climbing instructor. If you do not want your son or daughter to have the

opportunity to take part in these session please notify the school in writing.

We have also become an approved centre to be able to offer the National Indoor Climbing Award levels 1 & 2.

by Mrs Thomas

BAD WEATHER MESSAGE

As we know snow and bad weather can disrupt our work at the College. Therefore, in the spirit of being prepared, this message outlines guidelines which we can all use in the event of inclement weather.

Students who normally travel to the College by bus or coach should not attempt to come in if their bus or coach does not turn up because of very bad weather. If a bus doesn’t pick up in the morning, it should be assumed that they won’t in the afternoon.

Parents would be unwise to try to get their children to College if a bus does not turn up. Whilst this may be possible at the time particularly for those with 4 wheel drive vehicles, it may present real problems later in the day when students attempt to return home.

The College will be open unless it is announced that it is closed on Rutland Radio, Leicester Sound, Radio Leicester or Hereward Radio. It should be noted by parents that if the College provides a limited day during bad weather it may be impossible to provide normal lessons. This is due to the fact that many staff will also have problems reaching the College. Equally the College cannot guarantee a full day - deteriorating weather conditions may necessitate an early closure.

In outlying areas you may feel it necessary to collect your child early. It is your decision to do so and you should contact the College in advance of your request.

In addition, whenever possible, information about closure and updates will be on the College website: www.ucc.rutland.sch.uk

If the College has to be closed, buses will be summoned early. We would be grateful if parents could make contingency arrangements in the event of their son/daughter arriving home earlier than expected if an emergency arises. Those students who do not have a ‘safe haven’ to go to will remain at the College until suitable and safe arrangements can be made to get them home.

External users can assume that when the College closes during the day for school students it will also be closed for adults (day and evening).

Further information can be obtained from:

DO NOT RING : JUST LISTEN

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HEAD BOY & HEAD GIRL

As Head boy and Head girl, Grace and I have

always, and will always aim to aid teacher-student relations and to aid the communication from person to person around the college. So far, we’ve represented the college at many events and occasions throughout the fi rst few terms. We have both thoroughly enjoyed the experience and greatly look forward to working with yourselves and the students in the forthcomming year.

PEER TUTORING

Six Year 7 students were selected to take part in a new initiative which was run as a joint project between UCC

and the University of the First Age. The students were Rosie Mottershead, Robyn Burberry, Huw Williams, Alex MacDonald, Scott Dean and Jordan Bland.

The project was to encourage peer tutoring, a programme to help raise confi dence and self esteem in students by pairing

them with older students, particularly Year 5 and 6 with Year 7 students. They went to Rutland County Council in Oakham on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th November from 9.30am till 3.00pm each day, accompanied by Mrs Burton and Mrs Williams. Apparently the whole experience was ‘awesome’.!

The students were identifi ed as having the relevant skills to be a peer tutor and you can see further details of the programme by accessing the following internet link.

www.ufa.org.uk/young-peoples-activities/peer-tutoring

FREE SCHOOL MEALS

Are you eligible to apply for these for your child? You will

have read that the government will provide extra funds for schools based on the number of students who take up the offer of free schools meals. You could help the college and your child by fi lling in a simple form which allows them to have a nutritious lunch for free and boost the funds we have to spend on resources for them in school. The system is very discreet and very popular with the students who do avail themselves of the opportunity.

For more details please contact Mrs Anderson either by phone or email Anderson_r@ucc.rutland.sch.uk

BBC Radio Leicester (0700-0900)

Leicester Sound

Rutland Radio

Hereward Radio

104-9 FM

105.4 FM

107.2 FM in Rutland97.4 FM in Stamford

102.7 FM

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STHE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD

At the moment we have four students awaiting certifi cates for the Silver Award.

Silver AwardSKYE THOMAS

RACHAELHARRIESFRANCE SALTKATIE JONES

BRONZE AWARDSAM HODSON

WILLIAM YALLOP

We have many students on the scheme, who are working hard and determind to complete their awards.

WATCH THIS SPACE WHEN EASTER COMES AROUND!

by Mrs Thomas

YEAR 11 HISTORY TRIP TO BERLIN

On Wednesday 20th October 45 Year 11 students together with Miss Harris, Mrs Bradley, Mr Summers

and me assembled at school at 2am to be airlifted into Berlin. We began our visit at Karlhorst museum where the German unconditional surrender was signed by Field Marshall Keitel on May 8th 1945. This was followed by a pilgrimage to the Soviet memorial at Treptower Park. This contains some magnificent architecture including a heroic soldier and Mother Russia mourning her dead. In order to rub in the German defeat further the Russians constructed some of the monuments from the marble of Hitler’s chancellery building. This was a highly visible reminder that the Russians suffered a staggering estimated 27 million dead in what they still call the “Great Patriotic War” and their experience during it determined their attitude and behaviour in the Cold War that developed after victory in 1945.

The Berlin Wall which divided the eastern and western parts of the city between 1961 and 1989 came to encapsulate the Cold War. At the Checkpoint Charlie Museum we were able to witness some of the ingenious escape attempts made by people who were prepared to risk (and often lose) their lives in an effort to find a life in the west. This included tunnelling underneath it, flying by hot air balloon over it or impersonating an American officer and passing through it! There are no longer many parts of the Berlin Wall still standing but we visited the best preserved part of it at Bernauer Strasse and looked out over the infamous ”Death Strip”. This was an area of no man’s land which any escaper had to cross after scaling the wall. It contained mines, trip wires, was flood lit at night and patrolled by dogs. It was also overlooked by the ubiquitous watch towers containing guards who were trained to shoot to kill. And they often did.

The East German secret police, the notorious Stasi, was one of the most effective the world has ever seen. We saw just what it was capable of doing to its own citizens at the Stasi prison. One of our groups was shown around by a former prisoner. His only “crime” had been to write an article in his student newspaper criticising the communist government. He showed us the isolation cell he was kept

in for 7 months and recited one of the Shakespearian sonnets that kept him from losing his marbles whilst there, something that made a deep impression on our group.

Trevor Booker and Andrew Pennington, our popular and knowledgeable guides made it clear to us what it was like to live in a city that was on the front line in the Cold War. They had both served in the RAF and Andrew worked in intelligence and entertained us all with his stories of spying on the Russians and East Germans, although his tales of sifting through Russian sewage for top secret documents didn’t exactly conjure up images of James Bond.

As well as the history our group enjoyed fine German cuisine, luxurious accommodation and a scintillating evening of top class bowling and pool. East German propaganda proclaims that Mr Gumbeer once again defeated all comers at pool but his recently released Stasi file suggests a defeat against the filthy capitalist imperialist forces of Mr Summers and Niall Quinn-Jarvis. Roll on next year!

by Mr Gumbeer

SPANISH EXCHANGE

Los Españoles en Inglaterra - el 27 de octubre - el 5

de noviembre 2010

Our Spanish penfriends arrived at UCC on the 27th October at about 6 o’clock. They all seemed very excited but nervous about their visit. Throughout their stay they really enjoyed England though preferred shopping to anything cultural.

During the week they ate a great deal but really liked the pizza and coca-cola.

Mi amigo español Alberto llegó de Granada en octubre con sus amigos. Pasamos dos noches en Londres. Hicimos muchas compras en el Jardín de Covent y la Calle Oxford. Tambien visitamos el estadio de Wembley, era muy interesante y vimos el Dirty Dancing en el teatro. A los estudiantes españoles no les gustó la cultura pero a los estudiantes ingleses les gustó mucho. We stayed in the Ibis hotel, which was very nice considering it was two star. Alberto was tired all the time.

También visitamos juntos la ciudad de York que es muy histórica e interesante. Entramos en el museo y

fuimos de compras. Hacía mucho frío pero esto era también parte de la diversión.

El fi n de semana todos los estudiantes del intercambio visitaron la casa de Hannah hacer fi esta. También nos relajamos en Uppingham y fuimos al centro deportivo jugar al bádminton. El fi n de semana era muy divertido.

Los estudiantes españoles hicieron unas visitas sin nosotros. Fueron a Thorpe Park y Cambridge.

En la fi esta de despedida la música era terrible pero esto lo hizo más gracioso. Cada uno disfrutó de ella. Alberto era un bailarín muy bueno y nunca era tímido sobre la pista de baile.

On the Friday, 10 days after they had arrived we had to say goodbye to our Spanish friends. We were all very sad but had great memories and photos of their stay.

Tal vez visitaré a Alberto en Granada si consigo más dinero pero es muy caro. I still speak to Alberto a lot on the computer and we all had a great time with our Spanish friends and it has improved our spoken Spanish a great deal.

by Fergus Kennedy, 11LR

FRENCH EXCHANGE REPORT

Where to start? The Year 9 French exchange was an amazing opportunity to meet new friends and learn

lots of our second language too! At fi rst my exchange student was very shy and it was diffi cult to get any words out of her other than ‘oui’ or ‘non’ or ‘ok!’ but by the end of the week we couldn’t shut her up! Every trip was a brilliant experience for us and the French students and we got to know each other even better in our friendship groups. Day by day we grew closer and it was as if we were having normal conversations, similar to the ones we have with our English friends.

I particularly enjoyed the trip to London. Even though it is our home city, most of us English people were far from bored when we visited the London Dungeon and the River Thames. I just hope Paris is just as exciting! I also enjoyed the disco at the end of the week because all of us were close enough to dance together and have a great time without it being awkward or embarrassing. Alton Towers was also an incredible day trip. A good thing about the journeys was that on the way back the French students and English students mixed and we could make lots of conversation about the scary rides and how many people chickened out of Oblivion!

On Sunday we had to entertain our students for the entire day and it was a slight problem thinking of something to do to last such a long period of time. I would recommend participating in an activity with a friend of the French student and a friend of your own to guarantee fun whatever you are doing.

When the students were leaving there were lots of tears and hugs. I have kept in touch with my French student and some of the others and we are very friendly with each other. I was amazed at how close you can get to someone from a totally different country and environment through the course of one week and I am really looking forward to visiting them again in May next year.

By Becci Glover, 9MI

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CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONSIN THE PERFORMING ARTS

Performances made by UCC students this Christmas and more

to come in the New Year.

On Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th December, Year 11 GCSE

Drama Students brought us their Devised Performances.

On Thursday 9th December, Uppingham Musicians played in The Falcon Hotel during Late Night Shopping.

On Tuesday 14th December, The Parish Church hosted the Celebration of Christmas. Mince pies and mulled wine were handed out to get into

the festive spirit.

UPCOMING IN THE NEW YEAR!

WEDNESDAY 19TH JANUARY

& THURSDAY 20TH JANUARY, 6.30PM

Year 10 GCSE Drama Pantomimes, Drama Studio

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Tickets will go on sale soon after the Christmas

Break. We look forward to your support and hope to entertain you all.

Offers of help with any aspect of organisation for such a big event would be gratefully received - we’d love to get parents and the community involved.

THRUSDAY 10TH MARCH - SATURDAY 12TH MARCH 2011

by Mrs Perkins

THEATRE VISITS

Year 10 Drama students were joined by Rutland College A-level Drama students on our recent Theatre Visit to

Sheffi eld’s Crucible Theatre to see Frantic Assembly’s latest offering entitled ‘Beautiful Burnout’ on Wednesday 10th November. The performance was another Frantic Assembly classic and the students were honoured to witness such a moving performance.

“The play told the story of Cameron Burns’ brutal journey to success as a professional boxer with a sordid realism that

was beautiful at times yet painful to watch at others; telling the story also of his mother and her heartache over her son, of other boxers he trained with and of love interest… it was most stirring for me as an audience member; a thoroughly enjoyable piece of modern theatre that had a profound impact on me long after I left the auditorium.” by Miriam Brittenden, 10HH.

These students will be working with Frantic Assembly in March on a physical theatre project so it was great that they have seen such an inspiring example of their work.

by Mrs Perkins

IN4MERZ BRINGJODIE CONNOR TO UCC

UCC Enrichment groups from Year 8 and Year 10 were visited by Jodie Connor on Tuesday 7th December. She

sang a selection of songs she’d written including her number one with Roll Deep ‘Good Times’ and her new single to be released on January 9th 2011. She also gave her time to answer the students’ questions about her career path and infl uences. It was a really inspiring experience, which even led to some dancing in the audience!

by Mrs Perkins

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Upp-starts Nursery & Pre-school, UCC, London Road, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9TJ Tel: 01572 821210

Celebrating Years

Of Quality Childcare

UPP-ST AR T SNURSERY & PRE-SCHOOL

Pre-school & Baby RoomBefore & After School Care

Holiday Club

For More Information Please Ring 01572 821210

Mother Toddler GroupMonday & Friday

.am - .am

After School GroupFive Nights A Week

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Contact: Joanne WadeTelephone: 01572 823631

Email: marketing@ucc.rutland.sch.uk

FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYDespite the freezing temperatures and snow on the

ground fourteen family groups had a great time at the latest Family Activity Day. These days provide a perfect opportunity for adults and youngsters to try something different whilst making new friends. For pupils in years 5 and 6 it gives a great opportunity to be at ‘big’ school!

Jenny Brogan led a group of promising printers making Christmas cards and posters; it is quite amazing what can be achieved with ink and holly leaves!

A stitch in time certainly saved time for the textile group led by Sue Berridge. Despite being the first experience of using a sewing machine youngsters made Christmas pillow cases, bunting and bags.

Tessa Angell from ‘Art Angells’ led a very crafty group making paper from silk fibres in the morning then during the afternoon using heat guns and fantastic plastic to make Christmas decorations, key chains and badges.

And last but definitely not least Australian Chef Paul Bennett led the cooking group and delighted everyone at lunch time providing Christmas dinner with all the trimmings!

More activity days are planned for 2011. Check out our website for more details. Places are limited and must be booked in advance.

by Jo Wade

UPCOMING EVENTS

When the new year starts the extensive boys fi xture list will continue with fi xtures for Futsal, Sportshall Athletics and Rugby

respectively. I would like to take the opportunity to encourage all students to try and be part of these fi xtures and also thank those who have already given up their time to represent the school.

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BASKETBALL

This year UCC entered the Rutland and Melton Boys’ Basketball Leagues for every

year group. It wasn’t the best of seasons in terms of results, but each team performed to the best of their ability and gave 100% commitment each week. In particular I would like to thank the Year 10 team for all of their hard work and exceptional commitment throughout the season. Despite suffering some heavy defeats, they always turned up to practices and meetings, setting a good example to the other teams.

by Mr Logan

YEAR 11 SAILING

Recently a number of GCSE PE Year 11 students took part

in sailing lessons at Whitwell Watersports Centre. Eight students, which is the highest number we have ever had wishing to take their Level 2 qualifi cation, took part in completing this award over two weekend sessions.

Students were expected to demonstrate good safety procedures, be able to show competent levels of the skills of sailing and be able to sail without an instructor on board. All students’ knowledge and abilities were assessed continuously over the two sessions and I am pleased to report that all the students who took part, passed their award.

We also had 4 students from Year 10 completing their Level 1 Award.Congratulations to all those involved.

LEVEL 2 AWARDS WERE ACHIEVED BY:RACHEL HARRIS

PHOEBE STUBBS

FRANCESCA WILKINSON

OLIVER CARRICK

THEO BROGAN

CHARLIE CLIFF

LIAM FAHY

JOSHUA HAYNES

LEVEL 1 AWARDS GAINED BY:JONTI BROGAN

JEFF LAMB

HARRY GREGG

BRANDON ARMITAGE

Back row: Gabby Pegg, Francesca Wilkinson, Kathryn Alyward. Front row: Rosie Pitts, Rebecca Wymant, Rachael Harries, Phoebe Stubbs, Katie Jones & Grace Hodge.

YEAR 11 GIRLS’ NETBALL

“ A real ly fantas t i c group of g i r l s to work wi th ,” say both coac hes Mrs

Car twr ight and Mrs Borrows, who have real ly en joyed work ing wi th the team over the las t f ive years . They have made real ly s ign i f i cant improvements in both the i r sk i l l s and tact i ca l awareness and fu l ly deser ve the i r win in the Mel ton and Rut land Netbal l League. The gir l s are del ighted wi th the i r medals (as shown above) . They also went on to p lay in the County Tournament , winn ing the i r sect ion to gain a place in the Quar ter F inals . They also won th i s matc h and moved forward to the Semi ’s . I t has been qui te a whi le s ince a team from the Col lege has been good enough to reac h the f inal s tages of th i s county wide compet i t ion . Unfor tunate ly, they los t to Oakham Sc hool who went on to win the overal l tournament and the gir l s were obvious ly d i sappointed. However, they shou ld feel extremely proud of the i r ac h ievement . “Many thanks ladies for the las t f ive years . I t has been a pleasure coac h ing you.”

by Mrs Cartwright & Mrs Borrows

NEW EXPERIENCES FOR STUDENTS IN PE

LESSONS

This term, Year 7 and Year 8 students have been given a

range of ‘new’ PE lessons. The idea behind this was to give students

something new to take part in to broaden their knowledge and understanding of a wider range of sports as well as build physical and social skills through sport. The new lessons delivered included Boxercise, Sportshall Athletics and Outdoor and Adventurous Activities.

After Christmas, there will be a club running for Boxercise and a Sportshall Athletics team to allow any students who want to progress in these areas the opportunity to do so.

by Mr Logan

YEAR 7 GIRLS’ NETBALL

Back row: Scarlett Kennedy, Halima Miah, Lucy Saywood, Maisie Ford. Front Row: Rachel Cross Alexi Smith, Grace Kirton, Charlotte Clark & Kara Kataiwai.

The Year 7 team have had some brilliant matches in the Melton and Rutland Netball league. They have really

gelled together and had some wonderful and exciting fi xtures. Un-beaten throughout the season they have been crowned Year 7 Champions and will receive their winners medals in success assembly later this term. “I have really enjoyed coaching the girls” says Mrs Cartwright “they have been a credit to themselves and the college and I hope they will stay together and continue to develop their skills over the next few years. Well done!”

by Mrs Cartwright

YEAR 7 BOYS’ FOOTBALL

This year UCC entered the Rutland and Melton Boys’ Football Leagues for every year group. Each team

performed to a good level and most teams were in the running for top spot. However, it was the Year 8 and

Year 9 teams who have shone this year. The Year 8 team played 5 and won 4, and finished top of their league by two points, winning the title in a nail biting final game of the season at Belvoir. The Year 9 team won their league convincingly and played some brilliant football along the way, scoring 19 goals in 5 games. At times it was just like watching Arsenal! A massive well done to all involved!

by Mr Logan

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YEAR 8 NETBALLBack row: Ceilia Cunningham, Harriet Casey-Jones, Bea Clifford & Sophie Jackson Front row: Hebe Parsons, Emilie Risi, Lydia Grice, Megan Scott & Evie Carpenter

The Year 8 team fi nished 3rd in the ‘Melton and Rutland League’.

YEAR 9 NETBALL

Back Row: Anya Loomes, Ella Brahmachari, Charlotte Gregg, Martha Rhodes. Front row: Gemma Hill, Elise Whearity, Kate Grunwald & Amber O’Berg

The Year 9 team fi nished 2nd in their league,

which was really pleasing.

They also entered the ‘Leicestershire and Rutland County Competition’ held at Leicester Grammar School. Although the girls did not qualify from their section they all thoroughly enjoyed the experience of playing students from other schools in the County and learnt a lot from this experience.

by Mrs Cartwright

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