Camden Friday News

Spring Term 1 - 9 January 2015 Issue No. 15

Wolfson Foundation awards the Camden School for Girls £25,000 for Science Laboratories refurbishment

I am thrilled to announce that the school’s funding bid to the Wolfson Foundation has been successful,

and we have been granted £25 000 towards the refurbishment of our science laboratories. This

extremely generous award has been made by the Trustees of the Wolfson Foundation, who are

committed to ‘supporting the teaching of A levels and GCSEs at high-achieving state-funded schools and

sixth-form colleges through the funding of capital projects’ (Wolfson Foundation website). I have

written to the Trustees and thanked them, and I am sure you will join me in celebrating the great im-

provements to the science teaching and learning environment that this kind gift will provide.

Thanks go as well to all parents, students and friends of the school, not least our Channel swimmers,

who have already donated towards the laboratory refurbishment. This combined effort will transform

our science teaching spaces.

Year Seven Christmas Concert

The Autumn Term ended with the Monster themed Christmas Concert, featuring all our Year Seven

students. We enjoyed some music traditionally associated with Christmas, such as ‘The Dance of the

Sugar Plum Fairy’ and ‘Personent Hodie’ as well as some items reflecting the monster theme, including

Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ and the theme from Dr Who. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and I

was delighted to see so many parents in the audience.

Elizabeth Kitcatt

CASCA Parents' Forum presents

supporting our young people with their academic work and revision

What parents can do to help their children learn. What works and how to keep young peoplemotivated

ALL WELCOME

Tuesday January 27th 6.30 to 8.15 in the StudioBar, soft drinks and snacks available

TABLE TOP SALE

SATURDAY 31 JANUARY

2:30pm - 4:30pm

Dear Parents and Carers, The Table Top Sale is taking place in 3 week’s time. Tables are still available to hire for this event which is now less than 4 weeks away. Rails are sold out but it may be possible for you to bring your own. Please check with us first and please note you will be charged £5. You can sell almost anything you want and you will keep all your profits. Tables measure 6 ft x 2 ft 6 " and cost £20. To book your space please see details below. Some of you who have booked haven't managed to send your cheque in yet. It would be very helpful if you could send it in this week. Your place will be confirmed on receipt of your payment. Please can we have some homemade cakes for this event. We need them for our afternoon teas and for selling on the cake stall. If any of you could make some jam that would also be greatly appreciated. Could cakes be with us by 1 pm on the day. Last, but not least, if any of you would like to get involved with the running of the Table Top Sale you will be most welcome. Many thanks. Mary Kavanagh

email maryrkav@gmail.com 07873 339 705

SIXTH FORM NEWS

The Autumn Term in the Sixth Form ended on a very positive and exciting note. We had some

extremely compelling speakers which you can read about in the student reviews below. On

Monday 8 December, a group of staff and Sixth Formers’ merrily sang Christmas songs in

Highbury and Islington tube station for two hours raising a fantastic £350 for Crisis, a charity

for the homeless. In the last week of term, the Senior Prefect team put on an extremely

entertaining panto with a Camden sixth form slant entitled ‘Georgey Potter and the Prophecy

of Head Boy’. During our last assembly of 2014, I had the pleasure of handing out a huge

number of academic commendations from all subjects to our very worthy Year 12 and

13 students.

A happy New Year to all from the Sixth Form Team!

Olivia Camillo

Owen Jones – Political Journalist speaks in Sixth

Form assembly on 24 November 2014

Never before have the Sixth Form students left an assem-

bly filled with so much anger and yet so much hope. Owen

Jones, voted 7th most influential left-winger by the

well-known Marxist polemic The Telegraph last year and

the writer of the acclaimed Chavs and The Establishment, privileged Camden with his

passionate oratory. ‘One day we will look back in horror and disbelief at a time when you

could go out and work all day and still not earn enough to live.’

He powerfully communicated the message that British society ‘socialises the risks and

privatises the profits’. No longer should we be duped into blaming our neighbours for the

selfish actions of those at the top. It is the bankers, provided with the most generous

no-strings-attached benefit package in history after the crisis they created in 2008, who

should take responsibility for the state of society, not the Polish cleaner, the Lithuanian

fruit-picker or the Nigerian nurse. He reminded us of the vital lessons of history,

emphasising that Britain is a country built on people power, where change only occurs

when it is demanded by the struggle of movements like the Tolpuddle Martyrs, the

Chartists and the Suffragettes. The suffragettes were demonised and force-fed in prison

during their lifetimes, but today they have a very important status as worthy and

indomitable campaigners. He told us, we must look past the politics of envy, avoid being

seduced by that rare breed of privately-educated white male politician such as the

individual who runs UKIP, and build a society in the interests of the people who keep it

ticking. It was a truly memorable and inspirational assembly.

George (Head Boy)

SIXTH FORM NEWS

Frank Hewetson – Greenpeace International

On Monday 17 November our assembly speaker was Frank

Hewetson who has worked tirelessly for Greenpeace since

1989. Frank gave us some very sinister facts about what the

major oil companies are doing to the environment. He

focused in particular on the very dangerous drilling for fossil

fuels being undertaken by many of the major oil companies

in the Arctic. This is having a huge effect on the Arctic ice

sheet which is melting causing dire consequences for the

habitat and also contributing to global rising temperatures.

What was really unsettling was the very cynical attitude of the

oil companies driven by profits and their manipulation of the

public with cheesy campaign slogans like ‘Keeping the lights on’ to justify what they are

doing.

The second half of the talk was about Frank’s experiences in a Russian jail as a result of the

Arctic 30 mission protest against a Russian oil company drilling in the artic. We watched a

video shot by the team to record their experiences when they decided to stage a protest by

climbing onto a Russian oil tanker. It was terrifying to watch the response of the Russian

crew and police; the activists were sprayed by water canon and even had guns pointed

directly at them. Eventually the group, including Frank was arrested. Although Frank used

humour to recount his experience of being in the rat-infested prison it was obvious that

this had been a horrifying experience. But, although Frank missed his family and friends

desperately, he was never deterred from his views and refused to back down and

apologise for the protest.

It was truly an inspirational talk. We left full of admiration for someone who fought so

hard for what he believes in order to protect our planet.

Senior Prefect

SIXTH FORM NEWS

Year 9 Coding

Year 9 had the first of three sessions on Wednesday, participating in Coding Camden

(a unique partnership with the UCL Department of Computer Science and the Film &

Video Workshop). Students were off timetable and learned about the basic concepts of

programming hardware via the Engduino, which is a single device packaged with several

sensors, a processor, communication modules and 16 multi-colour LEDs. Students

learned how to write code to produce elaborate LED displays and produced code that

programmed the thermistor sensor to measure and display the current temperature.

The second session next week will see students building robots which they will then go

onto program.

Students with a keen interest are able to continue to develop their coding skills and can

loan an Engdunio device from Ms Man. For more information on Engduino devices:

http://www.engduino.org.

Ms Man

National Citizen Service (NCS) - Year 11 Year 11 students will have the opportunity to sign up to the NCS programme. Please see extracts from Amy Brown’s letter below. Ms Manas To Parents/Guardians

I am delighted to let you know that this term your child will be given the opportunity to sign up to NCS (National Citizen Service), a government-funded programme for 15-17 year olds. Working through physical, personal and creative challenges, this once-in-a-lifetime experience empowers young peo-ple to build skills and confidence to get ahead in work and life, whilst engaging with their local area. The Challenge, the country’s largest provider of NCS, is delivering 16,350 places in London in sum-mer 2015. It is a part-residential programme which begins with 3 parts that take place over 14 days in the summer, with breaks. The first two parts are residential, with all meals, kit and accommodation provided. First, teams develop their leadership and teamwork skills by working with some of the best outdoor instructors in the UK, enabling them to create friendships and build confidence. After a short break, young people return for part two where they stay in university style accommodation and gain new skills in an area they are passionate about. Finally, teams have the unique opportunity to design, pitch and deliver their own social action project. Then they graduate, receive a signed certificate from the Prime Minister and join the graduate programme, The Challenge Society. Delivering the programme costs hundreds of pounds per head, but they only ask for a maximum of £50. They also offer an early applicants’ discount of £35 if made online before 12 February, and financial support when needed. The application fee covers all accommodation, food, transport, and specialist kit for the residential parts of the programme. Representatives from NCS with The Challenge are speaking at a Year 11 assembly on 22 January, during which your child will have the opportunity to express their interest in the programme. For more information, visit www.ncsthechallenge.org. We highly recommend this unique and valuable opportunity and hope you will encourage your child to take part.

Miss Amy Brown

NCS

Music Department Reminder

Spring Term Orchestra Rehearsals and Concerts

This term is when all the work put into rehearsals pays off with our Orchestral Concert and

Founder’s Day. We will be performing works by Sibelius, Holst and Milhaud amongst other

pieces and ensembles. You will hear the level of hard work and excellent musicianship that

has gone into this challenging repertoire. Please ensure that all rehearsals are attended

(schedule below), and please contact Mr Byers if there are any problems.

Parents, carers, families and friends, we look forward to seeing you at both events.

Mr Byers

Rehearsal Schedule:

Rehearsals take place from: 15.35 – 17.00

Tuesday 13 January

Tuesday 20 January

Tuesday 27 January

Tuesday 3 February

Tuesday 10 February

Half Term

Tuesday 24 February

Tuesday 3 March

Tuesday 10 March

Orchestral Concert: Wednesday 11 March, 7pm in the Main Hall

Wednesday 11 March - rehearsals 13.00 – 17.00

Founder’s Day: Thursday 2 April from 9.30am in the Main Hall

Founder's Day Rehearsals: 15.35 – 17.00

Tuesday 17 March

Tuesday 24 March

Tuesday 31 March

(Other rehearsals will be taking place in the week of Founder’s Day. These dates are to be

confirmed nearer the time.)

Maths student

of the week

Maisie — 9M

P.E. CLUB TIMETABLE - Spring Term 2015

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

BE

FO

RE

SC

HO

OL TRAMPOLINING

All years; 50p

TRAMPOLINING

All years; 50p

LU

NC

H

DANCE

COMPANY

REHEARSALS

TRAMPOLINING

All years

AF

TE

R S

CH

OO

L

ARSENAL

BADMINTON

3.45-5.15pm

All years

ZUMBA-CISE

All years

4.30-5.30pm

Costs £1

In S18

YOGA 3.45-4.45pm

All years

CRICKET

For L.Y.G.

3.45-4.45pm

All years

ARSENAL

VOLLEYBALL

CLUB

4.30-6pm

All years

ARSENAL

NETBALL

3.35-5.35pm

All years

GYMNASTICS

3.15-4.15pm

All years

All coaching is delivered by England Squash & Racketball qualified squash and racketball coaches

Cumberland Lawn Tennis & Squash Club

25 Alvanley Gardens London

NW6 1JD

Free Squash

Coaching Sessions for Girls!!!

Starting Saturday 17th January 2015

For 6 weeks

10.15am – 11am (7 – 11yrs)

11am – 11:45am (12 yrs+)

A £10 deposit applies which will be returned after you have attended 4 of the 6 sessions.

Free places only apply to new participants, a fee of £60 for the 6 weeks applies for players who

have already received free sessions.

Learn the game, techniques and have lots of fun.

With Ivy Dieltiens Level 2 ES&R Squash Coach

Booking is essential; please contact Vickie Prow on 07796181286, email:

northlondonsquashcoaching@gmail.com and complete the booking form to secure your place.

_______________________________________________________________ Booking form: Girls Squash Coaching Sessions @ Cumberland Lawn Tennis and Squash Club: Starting 17th

January 2015. Please return with your deposit (cheques payable to Vickie Prow) Vickie Prow, 35 Ashfield Rd,

London N14 7LA.

Name : __________________________________ Time: 10.15am/11am Postcode: ____________

Email: ___________________________________ Age & DOB: _________________

Tel: __________________________________ Emergency Contact: ____________________

Please specify any medical conditions we should be aware of:

All participants are required to the appropriate clothing (preferably whites). This includes goggles for U19s, clothing suitable for sport (no jeans) and the appropriate training

shoes which must be non marking and no astros or muddy shoes. Participants wearing the incorrect clothing may be refused participation. The venue will be able to loan,

rackets goggles and balls, but you will be required to provide your own equipment after 6 weeks.

Forthcoming Dates:

January 2015

Thursday 15 Y12 Parents’ Evening

Tuesday 20 Y11 Art students - Day trip to Art Gallery

Thursday 22 Y12 Physics students - Physics Trip (venue tbc)

CASCA Committee Meeting (Founder’s Library) 18:30 - 19:45

Tuesday 27 CASCA - Parents’ Forum: Supporting our young people

with their academic work and revision - The Studio 18:30 - 20:15

Wednesday 28 Y7-Y13 PE students Cross Country, Parliament Hill Fields

Y13 Physics students - Day trip: Centre for Fusion Research

Friday 30 - 31 Y12 History students - Residential Trip to France

Friday 30 - 2 Feb Y12 Art students - Residential Trip to Berlin

Saturday 31 CASCA - Table Top Sale 2:30 - 4:30

February

Thursday 5 Y9 History and Theology students - Holocaust Cross-Curricular Day

Y10 Parents’ Evening

Thursday 12 KS3 Play (Hall) 19:00 - 21:30

Monday 16 - 20 Half Term

Please note that the dates/times noted above are subject to change

Wednesday 18 - 20 Y10 DT students - Residential trip to Disney Paris

Thursday 26 Y9 Parents’ Evening

March

Monday 2 - 4 Y12 Geography students trip to Sussex

Tuesday 3 Y8 History students trip to Museum of London

Thursday 5 Y8 History students trip to Museum of London

Bands’ Night - Main Hall 19:00 - 21:30

Monday 9 Y11 and Y13 group photographs

Thursday 19 Y8 Parents’ Evening

Monday 23 - 26 Y10 Geography students - Residential Trip to Wales

April

Thursday 2 Founder’s Day - Main Hall

Sixth Form Classics students residential trip to Greece (PM)

Friday 3 Good Friday