The Horizon October 2013

Issue 5 Autumn 2013

www.horizoncc.co.uk � email: [email protected] � [email protected]

Principalinterviewed

for first termreport

Sir Steve givesthumbs up to

Horizon College

Win an iPadin our TwitterCompetition

Stunning performance in first yearThe long wait has ended and Year 11students have collected their GCSEresults – and what a set of resultsthey are!

63% of Horizon students gained 5A*-C grades, including Maths andEnglish. This figure is above thenational average and represents astunning performance in Horizon’sfirst year. There were many successstories, in terms of students and sub-jects. English GCSE results are wor-thy of particular note: 70% A*-C is afigure above the national average.

Principal, Nick Bowen, was justifi-ably delighted with the results.“These results reflect the hard workand dedication of students and staffat Horizon. To bring together twoschools – two groups of students andstaff – and, within a year, to achieveresults like these, really shows whatpotential we have in this area. Mycongratulations go to our studentswho have achieved so highly thisyear. We will be building on theseresults in the years to come andensuring that Horizon is at the heartof the community and providing the

type of education that our childrendeserve.”

That Thursday morning saw muchexcitement, lots of tears and screamsof relief as students picked up theirresults.

Well done Year 11!

“”

Horizon is at the

heart of the

community and

providing the type

of education that

our children

deserve.

”“When I opened my letter on results day I wasso overcome with relief! You feel so muchanticipation before you actually open them.Then having the unopened envelope in yourhand suddenly reminds you of everything youhave put into the last year. Opening it to see Ihad got the grades I truly hoped for, but neverreally expected, showed me all my work fromthe year had paid off; I was absolutely over themoon! – Mia Brailsford, last year’s Year 11 student

Mia Brailsford.

Twitter @horizon_cc Page 2 Mr Bowen Principal Page 3 Open Evening Pages 10 & 11

2 – The Horizon Issue 5 AUTUMN 2013

Hello, and welcome to the first edition ofThe Horizon for the 2013/2014academic year. Our first half-term hasbeen an extremely busy one with our

News Team identifying and creatingstories from around the college and the

local community. I continue to see theprogress we have made with this

publication in each editionwe publish and thecalibre of young,inspiring journalists is

great to see. Once again, thisedition wouldn’t bepossible withoutthe tireless effortof Mr. Robson.

Thank youfor reading.

From the Editor

Are you a student, a parent or a member of our wider community?

Do you follow us on twitter? No? Then maybe you should…

How do you fancy being in with a chance to win your very own iPad and to find out everything that’shappening at Horizon Community College?

…then why not follow us on twitter @horizon_ccthe official twitter page of Horizon Community College orvisit www.horizoncc.co.uk and click on the twitter link.

Once we have reached 2,500 followers, everyone who hasparticipated will be entered into a FREE PRIZE DRAW to wintheir very own iPad.

So if you are already following us, then why not tweet the wordto a friend or family member and get them to do the same!

Win anAppleiPad

Competition @horizon_cc

Mrs Stokes receiving her £50 vouchers from Mr Brammer for entering ourcutting edge competition during Year 6 open evening. She said, “My first son isnow in Year 8 and he thoroughly enjoys his time at Horizon Community College,there is definitely no question where my youngest son will go, obviouslyHorizon”. The evening was a huge success with over 1,000 visitors attending.

Year 6 Open Evening winner

KingpinsConcert Kingpins Concert andGraduation was heldat Horizon Theatre onSunday 14 July andwas a resounding suc-cess.

The concert was“When I grow up Iwant to be...” and thecast was made up ofchildren who wereleaving Kingpins to goon to school and wassupported by a choirmade up of theyounger children inthe nursery.

We would like tothank all the parentsfor their support.

If you would like toview the video of theconcert then pleasego to our websitewwwhorizoncc.co.ukand click on theKingpins link.

Hi, my name is Samantha Hill, and I am aReception Teacher and Foundation Co-ordinatorat Shawlands Primary School.

In September we will be getting a little boycalled William Parkinson from your KingpinsNursery. William has been for his visit to theschool and I wanted to send a message toKingpins to let you know how impressed I amwith his learning journey file that his parentsbrought today. I have looked through the file andfound it very thorough and informative.

I can tell exactly where William is and what hisnext steps are. It is clear to see why you weregiven Outstanding by Ofsted, what a great job!

Samantha Hill, Shawlands Primary School

Congratulations!

South Yorkshire Fire and RescueService came into College this weekto deliver their Heat of the Momentpresentation to Year 7 students.

The presentation increasesawareness of Fire Safety and Arsonby outlining various topics rangingfrom Rights and Responsibilities,Making Decisions and

Consequences to Developing Waysof Resisting Pressure.

The Fire Service delivered thesessions to all Year 7 students, whowere engaged throughout the inter-active sessions. It was a very valu-able project and we look forward toworking with the Fire Service againin the future.

Fire – make the right decisionYear 7 students listen intently to the presentation.

Passageto ParisEarlier this year, pupils from twoYear 7 Modern Foreign Languagesclasses took part in the Franco-British ‘Passage to Paris’ competi-tion in which pupils had to devise athree-minute film to say why theywould go to Paris as a holiday des-tination.

There were over 70 high-qualityentries from schools across thecountry and a prestigious panel ofjudges looked over the entries. Thejudges included the FBC’s Chair, RtHon Baroness Blackstone, awardwinning author, Julian Barnes,Literary Editor of The Independent,Boyd Tonkin, Film critic for TheGuardian, Peter Bradshaw andDirector of Communications atEurostar, Mary Walsh.

Although we didn’t win the ulti-mate prize of a day trip to Paris, thepupils involved got a real insightinto why France is such a great hol-iday destination and why French issuch a useful language to learn.

Moreover, Georgia Blackham’s,Jordan Dunkley’s, Ellie Kilkenny’sand Bethany Markham’s entry wasawarded an impressive ‘HighlyCommended’ award which is a fan-tastic achievement given the com-petition and the judging panel.

According to Jordan and Georgia,“This was an awesome opportunityand we learned loads about France;it has inspired us to continue tostudy French next year and we can’twait for the Year 9 Paris trip!”

The shortlisted films can beviewed on Youtube athttp://youtu.be/JVNVyASBSso.

The girls are pictured with their classteacher, Mrs Rao, receiving their‘Highly Commended’ certificates.

Kingpins manager Sue Woodpresents Laura Coxan with the letter.

AUTUMN 2013 Issue 5 The Horizon – 3

First term report Mr Bowen, PrincipalHorizon Community College

Exam results“Year 11 students and staff worked

incredibly hard last year to make surethat we got some great results in ourfirst year at Horizon and we areabsolutely delighted with them. Theresults were up 16% on what the twoprevious schools had achieved and Iam really pleased with that. It givesus credibility as a college. We say thatwe are doing a great job, that wethink we are having a massive impacton Barnsley as a town and that we areimproving life chances for youngpeople. But without results, in a way,none of that matters. Results reallymatter so when you achieve greatresults, as we did last year, it meansthat all the other great things we doin school go hand-in-hand and arereally the icing on the cake. If you putit in numbers rather than percentageterms, there are 70 plus more stu-dents who have gone on to study onlevel three courses or other post-16institutions than previously was thecase. That is a massive achievementand something we can be extremelyproud of.”

Expectations“Our expectations of this year are

to do even better than last year. Weare already looking at areas where weknow we can improve. There areareas where we know we canimprove in terms of results and weare looking to work on these evenfurther. We feel that more students

can be making expected progressand more than expected progress. Wealso feel that more students can beachieving the A/A* grades and wethink we can get 70% of our students

to A* to C including Maths andEnglish this year. Again, this is goingto take a lot of hard work but the cul-ture, attitude and work rate in collegemeans we can achieve this. We aredoing everything we can and, withthe support that we have from par-ents, there is no reason why we can’timprove on last year’s fantasticresults. If we feel that those resultswere good, we want upcomingresults year-on-year to be outstand-ing.”

Year 7 transition“My opinion is that the Year 7 tran-

sition to Horizon has gone reallywell. Parents often worry about Year7’s coming to a big school but I think,within a very short space of time, Isee and hear nothing but positive

things. I think Year 7’s have made agreat start to this year and I am reallyimpressed with the way in whichthey have applied and representedthemselves.”

Official opening event“It is strange in a way because peo-

ple have said, ‘How come you areofficially opening when you havealready been open a year?’ It takes awhile for us to get used to the build-ing and to get used to the ways inwhich we organise things, but we stillfelt that even after this past year westill wanted something official toconfirm and celebrate that we areopen. There was a lot of talk about,‘Who will we get to open it? Whichcelebrity could we get to come andofficially open our college?’ But, wefelt that we didn’t really need acelebrity to open our college and thatwe should open it ourselves. Thestaff, parents, students, governorsand members of the communitycame together to open the school inwhat was a great evening for all. Ayear down the line we have had ourofficial opening and on the back ofsome great exam results. The open-ing felt even more special because itmeant that we were opening a col-lege which we know is successful; nota college which we hope will besomething special. It was a greatevening and what I really enjoyedabout the evening the most was see-ing the students from all year groups

walking around the school and own-ing it. They wanted to be there, theywere proud to be there, they lookedreally smart and they were showingpeople around. It reinforced to methat it would have been incrediblywrong to have brought in a celebrityto open the college. The right peopleopened the college and the highlightof the evening was the students.”

Projects – Involvement with BBC“I think that any kinds of project

which allow us to work with the localcommunity are important, but Ithink projects which allow us to workon news items are fantastic becauseit allows us to get a message acrossabout what we are trying to achievehere at Horizon to as many people aspossible. We think we are doing greatthings and we want as many people

as possible to know about that.Another thing is that it allows ourstudents to develop skills such asinterviewing, journalistic, writingand presenting skills. There is a

whole team behind the variousmedia projects we are running, so forthose students to be working withthe likes of the BBC, Look North, TheBarnsley Chronicle and radio sta-tions, means that they get to workwith high-quality people. It is goingto allow those students to develop asyoung people and, at the same time,allow them to get the message acrossabout what is happening at Horizonto the general public.”

Final thoughts“I have absolutely loved the start of

this academic year from September. Ireally enjoyed the last academic yearbut it was hard. We were bringingtogether two schools and we had towork very hard in order to achievewhat we did. We have come backafter the summer holidays and wehave a very strong staff base. Plus, wehave students who now know theirway around the building, know all ofthe systems we have and havebought in to what we are trying toachieve. The parents and carersknow what we are about and what wehave found this year is that we havehad a calm and work-focused start. Icouldn’t be happier with the way inwhich we have started this year. Itgives me great pleasure and confi-dence that we really believe theschool will go from strength tostrength. Already, this year is a betteryear than last year and last year was agreat one.”

Khaira Kilner & Beth Molyneux Year 7interviewed Horizon Community College Principal,Mr Bowen, on the Principal’s report.

”“We think we are

doing great things

and we want as many

people as possible to

know about that

”“If we feel that those

results were good, we

want upcoming

results year-on-year

to be outstanding

Race for LifeStudents from Years 7-10 and severalmembers of staff, dressed in as much pinkas possible, completed the 5k Race for Lifecourse at Meadowhall back in June. TheHorizon team raised nearly £1000 forcancer research! Well done ladies!

This year Barnsley’s Human Library will becoming to Horizon Community College!

A Human Library is like any other library –only the books you can borrow are real peoplewith their stories to tell. Visitors to the HumanLibrary will have the chance to borrow from awidely diverse range of books.

The Human Books are all volunteers whohave agreed to discuss their life experiences asthey relate to their ethnicity, disability or sexu-al orientation with the people they are loanedto by the Human Library.

Readers are encouraged to ask those ques-tions you always wanted to know the answersto but were too embarrassed to ask or justnever had the opportunity. Everyone will findthat borrowing a book helps to challenge anystereotypes or prejudices by finding out aboutreal people’s lives.

Everyone is welcome. Feel free to drop in atany time and borrow one book or ten – it’s up toyou.

The Human Library will be open from 3pmto 7pm on Thursday 14 November, 2013 atHorizon Community College.

It’s free and refreshments will be available.

Human Library –an educational read

The Horizon School Nursing Teamare launching their open forumsfor Anti-Bullying in November andAlcohol Awareness before Christ-mas in December.

Students will be offered supportand advice from the team. Theyplan to be available for a confiden-tial chat in the Heartspacethroughout the day.

The School Nursing Team hasalso launched a new confidentialstudent post-box at the side ofpupil reception.

The post-box is for any Horizonstudents to request contact withthe nurses regarding any emotion-al problems, problems at home,bullying concerns or healthqueries.

Pictured (from left toright) are members of

the Horizon SchoolNursing Team

Sonia Swaby,Public Health Nurse

(schools)

Stewart Darlow,Senior Support Worker

Kaye Watson,Senior Public Health

Nurse

Open forums offeringsupport to students

On Monday 8 July, thirty-fiveexcited Year 6 pupils fromDarton, High View andWilthorpe Primary Schoolsarrived at Horizon to take part inour very first Primary ModernForeign Languages Sports Day.

The aim of the day was to raiseawareness of the importance ofstudying foreign languagesthrough sport and competitionand to support language study inlocal primary schools.

Organised by the MFL teamand supported by eighteenLanguage Leaders from Year 8and Year 9, primary pupilslearned plenty of new Frenchand Spanish whilst having lots offun and showing fine competi-tive spirit.

To win points for their prima-ry school, pupils needed teamworking and thinking skills tosolve language challenges inboth French and Spanish.

The competition was fierceand after lunch, when the actionmoved to the Sports Hall, allthree schools were in with achance of lifting the winner’s tro-phy!

Pupils raced to completeFrench and Spanish puzzlesbased on the language learntearlier in the day. They even hadto label a skeleton in French!

The tension was palpable asMrs Rao announced the resultsin reverse order. A huge cheerwent up as Wilthorpe lifted thetrophy.

Tres, Dos, Uno, Vamos –Primary LanguagesSports Day at Horizon

Wilthorpe Primary School winners.

Cake Bake stall raising funds for Darcy’s Days, a charity event helpingDarcy and her family to visit Disneyland. Pictured are Year 11 GCSEHospitality students with Darcy and Tilly.


Celebration of Achievement Event 2013On Thursday 18 July Horizon Community College held its first Celebration ofAchievement Awards in the stunning 420 seat theatre. The evening was a success,with students commended for outstanding achievement as part of the annual event. Pictured below are just some of the students with Heads of Departments, Principal Mr. Bowen and Vice-Chair of Governors Margaret Gostelow. Art

History

Maths

Design &Technology

BusinessStudies

Modern Foreign Languages

Music

I.C.T

Drama


Leadership TeamreportMr Storey

CommunityEnterprise reportMr WoodhouseIt is great to have our first term underway atHorizon and the Community Office hasbeen inundated with Year 7 students whoare keen to be involved in extra-curricularactivities.

The Community Enterprise Team re-launched our Student Enterprise Co-ordi-nators role this year and we have had agood response.

Also being launched this term is theHouse System. There are eight Houseswithin the year with each named after afamous author. These are:

Blyton, Dahl, Rowling, Dickens, Kipling,Andersen, Seuss and Wilson.

Throughout the year there will be a seriesof competitions where students can gainpoints for their house with each housecompeting for rewards and the SchoolTrophy.

I would like to say a big personal thankyou to the students who have supportedme at the Queens Road Academy openday, Horizon’s Official Opening and our firstfootball match (see Horizon sports page forfull match report).

I have been blown away by student lead-ership qualities so far in what has been anexcellent start to the term.

It is with great pleasure that I introducethe Year 7 page on the back of an excep-tional start by our new cohort of pupils.Each and every one of them has made anexcellent start and impression at Horizon,providing great hope and optimism formany successful years to come.

The students have very much boughtinto our continual drive to achieve excel-lence and are embracing the challengesof secondary school life.

The move to secondary school is oneof the most significant events in a youngperson’s life. One that stirs excitementand anticipation, but also one that cancreate anxiety (as much for the parentsas the student)!

I would like to thank all staff, parentsand the students themselves for ensuringsuch a positive start to the school year.This really is the beginning of what will bea remarkable journey for all involved.

Horizon continues to develop as anintegral part of our community and eachchild will undoubtedly benefit from a cul-ture that is, and will remain, one wherestudents are actively encouraged to beaspirational, to have dreams and to workhard to make them become a reality!

I truly am excited about sharing thisjourney with you and look forward tomeeting you all in the very near future.

Our firstexperiencesof HorizonCommunityCollege:“It was a shame toleave because thefirst day was sogreat I wanted tostay. My nerveshad suddenlydisappeared andI was fine.”Alicia Hart 7H

“When I arrivedthe school lookedgargantuan, butamazing at thesame time.”Chloe Allott 7I

“Horizon is a nicehigh school,because the staffare always there tohelp you. On myfirst day I wassurprised at howbig the school wasand I was amazedat how kindeveryone was.”Maureen Bizihiwe 7J

By Charlotte Hollingworth, 7U

Every Thursday the Horizon ZoologyClub meets to learn about the widerconservation community and environ-mental issues.

We hope to raise awareness andmoney through our charity “WildHorizons” set up by students fromHorizon to support the maintenance ofthe earth’s biological diversity throughparticipation and assistance for conser-vation in the wild.

In the club we do a variety of differentthings including: cryptozoology (thestudy of species not yet discovered) andresearch into the plight of endangered

species, both globally and locally. “Wild Horizons” is our charity that we

are currently establishing to enhanceappreciation and understanding of ourlocal wildlife. We will do this by visitinglocal primary schools, holding fundrais-ing events and providing updatesthrough The Horizon.

We look forward to your support.

By Miss Eaton, English

As part of the Jungle Book cross-curricular project, the children’sauthor and illustrator, Liz Million,spent the day at Horizon Comm-unity College on 17 Septemberdelivering various workshops.

Liz began the day by delivering avibrant assembly to the whole ofYear 7 which captured their imagi-nations with the use of children’sart work.

The students then split intosmaller groups and took part inworkshops to develop their under-standing of how characters are cre-ated in fiction writing.

This development of under-standing will allow pupils to bringcharacters to life within their workin English by transferring this toadjectives, adverbs and descrip-tion.

By Miss Vernon,Year 7 StudentLearning Co-ordinator

The 3 September seemssome time ago – the day wewelcomed our new Year 7’sto Horizon!

We have already madegreat strides on a learningjourney that will see allpupils achieve their acade-mic potential, while devel-oping their social and lead-

ership skills. Our Year 7pupils have started to devel-op confidence and indepen-dence and we have movedon from the “I don’t knowwhere my lesson is” to indi-viduals who can indepen-dently navigate their wayaround the College, and canmanage their own timeimpeccably.

Pupils have been given theopportunity to meet newpeople, make new friends

and participate in a widerange of activities. The boys’football team have alreadybegun their fixtures, with thegirls participating inCheerleading clubs inpreparation for regionalcompetitions.

In lessons, we are seeingenthusiastic learners whoare able to share ideas, par-ticipate in Jungle Bookthemed lessons, anddemonstrate progress to-

wards their targets.The pupils have made a

fantastic start to secondaryschool. Their smart appear-ance shows their pride in theschool, and their enjoymentis reflected in the way theyengage in their learning.

With a major focus onprogress, pupils have made apositive start on their jour-ney to achieving outstand-ing progress and grades.

Horizon Zoology Club

One in aMillionWorkshop

I’m particularly fond of Louie the rhinosimply because I got him right straightaway and I like the shape of his face andhis clumpy little feet and the fact he canplay a trumpet which is obviously quiteunique for a rhino. I just like the way theauthor described him as a jazz lovingsingle rhino about town that lives on hisown.Do you send the images of thecharacters and then the authors createthe stories?

I have a portfolio of work and I photo-copy some copies and send them to thepublishers and let them know I’m goingto be around their areas and I go to seethem. They ask if I have stories for thecharacters. Sometimes I have half writ-ten stories and they will finish them offor sometimes they might say I have astory about a lion so it’s sometimes luck,but normally they approach and say wewould like to work with me. But at the

moment the school visits have gonethrough the roof and my books havetaken a back seat.Are there any books in the pipeline atthe moment?

I am currently working on a bookabout an Antelope for a woman inArabiaWOW! How did that come about?

I know, it’s crazy!! I went to Doha to dosome events and I met her, she asked meto create a character for her book. It was-n’t a case of would you like to do a char-acter, she said “You are doing my book!”So the final question then, if you werean animal what animal would you be?

I do like goats because they’re cheekybut then they get eaten, don’t they, so Ithink I would be a big bird of prey like aGolden Eagle, actually I think I would bea Bald Eagle but obviously with somehair!! I would have territory in Canadafor miles!

Layingthe

foundationsfor success.

Liz Million, children’s author andillustrator

Have you got a favouritecharacter you have created?

Year 7’s are settling in just fineMissVernon

Name: Mr McInerneyJob Title:Student Support CoordinatorRole: Responsible foridentifying areas that presentbarriers to learning,development and behaviour andto set targets that lead to ourstudents’ success.Where you can find me:The Year 7 School officeon the second floor ofThe Year 7 School

Name: Miss VernonJob Title:Student Learning CoordinatorRole: Responsible for ensuringevery student reaches theirpotential.Where you can find me:The Year 7 leadership officeon the first floor ofThe Year 7 School

Name: Mrs WraggJob Title:School Support OfficerRole: Responsible forattendance, behaviour andgeneral school issues.Where you can find me:The Year 7 School officeon the second floor ofThe Year 7 School

Year 7LeadershipProfiles

Mr West chats to Liz Million


You will no doubt have seen the ever-popular ‘Great British Bake-off’ onour television screens during thepast few weeks.

It has been such a massive hit that itgave us an idea for raising money in afun way. We decided to run our veryown ‘Bakeathon’ at school.

This was an exciting opportunityfor every child to have fun makingand creating! At our ChristmasBakeathon last year, we managed toraise a staggering £400.

This year the children had a go atbaking something ‘yummy’ with agrown up at home using a favouriterecipe or even trying something new.They could choose to bake biscuits,flapjack, a cake or some buns of theirchoice.

Children were given a paper plateon Friday 20 September and had toreturn the plate full of delicious bak-ing on Monday 23 September.

Cakes and biscuits were sold atschool during playtime and some

were saved for families to buy afterschool. All the baking was to help usto raise money for the school!

There was a huge selection of cakesand biscuits, gorgeous cupcakes,hearty oat and fruit biscuits and evensome Greek Baklavas which weretruly scrumptious.

To make this event even more fun,everyone who baked had their namewritten on a raffle ticket and enteredinto the Barugh Green Bakeathonprize draw. All raffle tickets were gath-ered and the winners were drawn andgiven their prize during one of ourassemblies. The prizes were sets offabulous baking equipment – bowl,spoon, rolling pin, cutters, measuringjug and a delicious recipe book!

This was a great opportunity forchildren to show off their baking skillsand help school to raise some moneytowards visits and resources. Again,we raised a staggering £407.

Thank you to everyone for yoursupport!

Dodworth St John’s Primary School

Community spirit saves the day

On Friday 20 September, Class 4CTwere invited along to Shaw Lane totake part in a Try Reading event.

The event was aimed at linkingreading with the Rugby World Cupand the children participated inevents such as Orienteering, TagRugby, Reading with BarnsleyLibrary staff and The HAKA (RugbyFear Dance).

The children had a fantastic dayand participated in lots of new activ-ities. Our thanks goes to Team Activ,Horizon students and the BarnsleyLibrary staff for the day; the childrenthoroughly enjoyed every aspect.

We took three classes (1 x Y5, 2 xY6) to the Cross Country Event atLocke Park on 25 September.

Lauren Mathison came 1st for Year5 girls and 31st place overall.

Patryk Zielinski came 1st for Year 5boys and 12th place overall

Sophia Braithwaite came 1st forYear 6 girls and 3rd place overall - shewas very proud to achieve a bronzecertificate and badge.

Jay Mills came 1st for Year 6 boysand 16th place overall.

Year 6 girls as a school came in 3rdposition overall and all the childrenthoroughly enjoyed the event.

It has been a busy time at JosephLocke Primary School since thechildren returned.

They have quickly got to gripswith their new learning and severalclasses have been onexciting trips relating totheir new topics.

Year 6 visited theNational Coal MiningMuseum in Wakefield tofind out what life was likefor Victorian children.They couldn’t believe theconditions which chil-dren as young as five-year-olds had to work in!

Year 4 took a class tripto York and took a jour-ney back in time at theJorvik Centre. It was hardto believe the disgustingsmells that emanatedfrom the street scenes.The Vikings must cer-tainly have had strongstomachs.

Year 2 will visit Eurekaand, I am sure, will bebursting with informa-

tion about how their bodies work.Alongside all this, the children

from most years have been involvedin a whole range of sporting activi-ties since we came back and we

have a wide variety of after-schoolclubs taking place.

We all look forward to the rest ofthe term and hope it is just as fun-packed!

Barugh Green Primary School

Baking for charity

Gawber Primary School

V.I.P. treatment for Gawber

After a fantastic year for all of ourpupils last year, the summer holi-days arrived. It was a time for every-one to recharge their batteries andget ready for another exciting andbusy year at St Johns.

Little did we know what was instore for us! In the early hours ofSunday 28 July, the heavens openedand the plans we had made werewashed away in minutes.

The dyke next to school hadbacked up and the school was 10inches under water.

At 9.00 am a text message was sentout to parents asking for help, andwithin the hour over 50 volunteerswere in school armed with mops andbuckets trying to save what theycould.

From this point on, work contin-ued every day with specialist clean-ing firms being brought in to assessthe damage and dispose of any itemsdamaged by the water. This was fol-lowed by a 14-day drying out periodwhere industrial heaters wereinstalled, bringing the temperatureup to a cosy 55 degrees.

Needless to say the hard workfrom the members of the communi-ty and staff has meant that schoolwas open on time and we were ableto welcome our pupils back after thesummer break.

And what a start we have had tothe year!

There has been a science daywhere 007 James Boffin came in toschool and worked with each class,sharing his passion for science andallowing children a hands-on andenquiry-based approach to theirlearning.

Bruce Dyer has also spent a day inschool sharing his life story with usand stressing the importance ofmaking the right choices so you canbe successful in life as well as playing

games based around teamwork witheach class.

The latest visitors in school havebeen from Warburtons and they havebeen working with our Year 3 and 4class making bread and discussinghealthy lifestyles.

There are so many events plannedfor the rest of the year that we hopeto update you about in the next edi-tion including: Robinwood residen-tial, Young Voices, Karate Club, vari-ous sporting clubs and our new steelpan band.

Josepth Locke Primary School

‘Try Reading’ a success

Joseph Locke see life as Victorians

Community spirit – over 50 volunteers help to clear ten inches of water.

V.I.P. guests to opening of Horizon –Head Teacher, Julie Brown, with Year 6 students.

Well, it has to be said that without RobertPeston’s Speakers for Schools we wouldnot have come up with BBIS (BarnsleyBusiness Inspiring Students).

That’s undoubtedly true, but we are inno way trying to compete with the organi-sations out there on a national scale.Indeed what we are doing can only boostthe interest in the various national organ-isations such as ‘Inspiring the Future’,which can only be a benefit for the schoolsand them.

William Bottomley said, “Our project ismuch more about the positive messageswe can give local students about livingand working in and around our communi-ty.

“We are a local business, employinglocal people and living locally, sending ourchildren to local schools, and we love it!”

There are so many excellent businessesand inspiring people who work in ourcommunity – and we believe this is a greatplace to live and work.

It seems that some-times we are strug-gling to convey thatmessage to the outsideworld, as there is quiteoften a stereotypicalpicture of what it’s liketo live here and workhere.

Our message is dif-ferent – and we wantour students to seeand hear.

Our business lead-ers, people who lovetheir jobs, people whohave grown up in ourcommunity and wouldregard themselves assuccessful (not neces-

sarily materially but also that they leadhappy and fulfilling lives) authors, poets,sports people, actors, people who work inour community, people with a connectionto us… these people are willing to sharetheir experiences with our students toinspire them to become what they can be.

Every community has problems, and ofcourse we do too, but we are emphasisingwhat is good in and around Barnsley – andwe want to share that with the students.

We are amazed at the enthusiasm wehave encountered from the companiesand individuals, from all walks of life, whowant to get involved in BBIS... but that’sindicative of the passionate belief that thisis a great community to live and work in.

We are not asking the local businessesor individuals for any money for this ven-ture, just their time – and their story.

Horizon Community College isextremely excited about hosting the pro-ject initially, and, if successful, it is some-thing that we are looking to roll out toother schools in the area.

We believe many of Barnsley’s youngpeople have the determination, the driveand the desire to not only reach their ownpersonal goals but to also put the town inan even better light. The Barnsley busi-ness community want to play their part inhelping those kids, and help increase theirmotivations and aspirations.

The official launch of the event was heldat Horizon Community College onTuesday 17 September where our commit-ted speakers (and special guests) all gottogether and mixed with the students.


Inspiring students forthe future

Mr Brammeraddresses the

audience.

Principal Nick Bowen pictured with William Bottomley Communications Director for‘Lifetime’, members of the Business Community and Horizon students.

The pupils, parents and staff atShawlands had extra reason to beexcited about the start of the new aca-demic year. The school looked totallydifferent from just six weeks previousas the school broke up for the sum-mer holidays.

A new Foundation Stage Unit hasbeen built (due to open in earlyOctober) and the school has had agood de-clutter to make way for new,exciting resources and to make spacefor pupils to break out and enjoy theirmore collaborative styles of learning.

The corridors are now full of huge

canvas prints of the pupils learning inand around school, which welcomeour pupils, parents, staff and visitorsinto the building each day. Each classhas a class name ranging from thevery cute ‘Happy Hedgehogs’ inFoundation to the very modest‘Clever Clogs’ in Key Stage 2!

Teachers have been encouraged tosurvey pupils about their hobbiesand interests and begin to revamp thecurriculum to suit the needs of all ofour children. The ‘Job Board’ givespupils a chance to apply for roles andresponsibilities around school and

teachers choose a range of children tocomplete exciting jobs that help toprepare them for life beyondShawlands.

The school has a completely newSenior Leadership Team comprisingof three new additions and the previ-ous Deputy, Lee McClure, whobecomes Acting Head with the sup-port of Mrs J Brown from GawberPrimary.

Mrs J Wyrill (Assistant Head) andMiss T Mason (EYFS Leader) also jointhe team. Mr McClure said, “Theschool has seen a vast number of

changes over the last 12 months and Ifelt the next step was to make thebuilding and the ethos of the schoolall about children and the communi-ty.

“Parents are now able to come intoclass each morning if they wish andthis helps us to build effective rela-tionships with families, particularlyin the early years.

“Since I arrived 16 months ago Ihave felt very much at home atShawlands and I am desperate tokeep our traditions and strengthsalive. Sports, extra-curricular activi-

ties, exciting school visits and behav-iour were, and still are, exceptional atShawlands but we have to do more tomake our curriculum excite andenthuse our children.

“We must do everything we can togive every child the best possible startin life!”

After just a matter of days, thepupils settled in brilliantly and seemwell set to have a fantastic year! TheSenior Leadership Team would like tothank all children, staff and familiesfor being so welcoming and support-ive.

All change at Shawlands Primary School Shawlands Primary School

About usAt Horizon Sensory Resourced Provision, we are

committed to enabling the full inclusion of youngpeople with hearing or visual impairment provid-ing support that encourages them to develop allskills both educationally and socially. We havehigh aspirations and expectations for all our stu-dents, personalising their learning through addi-tional curriculum subjects, such as British SignLanguage, Braille and Independent living skills,mobility and orientation and using Low VisionAids. We also offer exciting, extra-curricularopportunities such as theatre trips, sportingevents and social outings. Our specialised facili-ties are used to develop and reinforce our stu-dents’ learning in an acoustically favourable andvision friendly environment.

Meet our staffThere is an experienced team of specialists;

including a Teacher of the Deaf, Teacher for VisualImpairment, specialist Teaching Assistants,Communication Support Worker and ResourceTechnician who prepares and advises on modify-ing materials. In addition, we receive regular sup-port and advice from a Habilitation Officer whoworks on mobility, orientation and independentliving skills. The team work with mainstreamschool colleagues ensuring that they are fullyincluded in the life of Horizon CommunityCollege.

Our facilitiesA sensory suite provides areas for students to

work in small groups or in a one to one situation,as necessary. Students are given opportunities todevelop skills that will support them in becomingindependent learners and confident young peo-

ple. Specialised therapy sessions, consultation, ormeetings centred around student wellbeing arehosted in the suite.

Within each of the 5 schools there is a smallsupport room available, where audio logicalequipment can be checked and one to one orsmall group work can be carried out.

FM systems – students with a hearing impair-ment have access to Phonak Inspiro to use in classand around school.

Soundfield Systems – a number of rooms with-in Horizon Community College have SoundfieldSystems.

To become part of the SRP, students will need tohave been assessed by specialist staff regardingtheir hearing or visual impairment.

For further information please contact Mrs A.Padgett (Teacher in Charge of the ResourceProvision).

The Local Authority’s SensoryResourced Provision (SRP) forsecondary aged students

SRP – an essential resource for Horizon.

A huge ‘congratulations’ and‘well done’ to Year 10 studentLauren Dransfield for producingthe winning design for the newHorizon Community College map.

The brief was set by theCommunity Enterprise team andwith such a tight deadline of oneweek Lauren worked hard toensure a professional and highquality outcome was achieved.

Lauren – you are a Technologystar. Well done!

Maptastic!LaurenDransfield.


Amazing time had by all at race track

This Summer saw prospective Year 7pupils from across the Barnsley bor-ough have a fantastic opportunity ofvisiting the college and make lots ofnew friends before the doors openedin September.

The children took part in lots ofdifferent activities with professionalcompanies such as CSI, where every-body had the chance to solve the puz-zle of who had murdered Mr Bowen.This was investigated from the crimescene, to even taking real finger-prints.

We also had the Wayne Sables

Project, where the children madestate-of-the-art films using iPads,with the help of professional filmmakers.

The amazing Cave Bus also visitedHorizon, where a single decker bushad been converted into a cave. Youhad to see it to believe it as all of thestaff and pupils were amazed by thebus.

Students from Barnsley Collegedelivered a fun and comprehensivemulti-sports programme and we alsohad some inflatable challenges suchas a bucking bronco, supplied by

Playtime who are based inMapplewell.

The summer school was fullyfunded and free of charge for all chil-dren.

Everybody had an amazing timeover the two weeks and felt confidentfor their transition in September.

Did you know that your child canvisit our fantastic ‘Kidz R Loud’ holi-day clubs, where we run multi-sportand creative activities each halfterm?

Please see the flyer on this page fordetails.

By Khiara Kilner, Yr7

During the 6 weeks holidaysthere was a big group of stu-dents who attended HorizonCommunity College’s SummerSchool.

It lasted for 2 weeks and it wasfantastic! We got to know our wayaround the college even better,before we started in Year 7. Wedid fun PE with Barnsley CollegeStudents Rosie, Leanne, Ellie andJessica which was really fun.

We also did Crime SceneInvestigation where we didthings such as Finger Printing,Blood Splatter Analysis plus

many more investigational top-ics, film making and musicvideos, which I personally thinkwas the best activity. We got touse iPads to make the film andmusic videos which was alsovery good fun!

Tykes Racing and the chanceto go Go Karting was also one ofthe activities, we even went to amedia museum in Bradford andlearnt lots of things there. Thatwas very cool! We did cookingand at the end of the session thecook gave us all an ice pop!

...and that’s what it was like atHorizon Community CollegeSummer School!

Horizon Summer School 2013

Crime Scene Investigation’s (CSI)Mick Amos with Kidz R Loud students.

Having fun in the ‘Cave Bus’, Nordas Glykofrydis.

Time to race! Students Aiden, Thomas and Joao.

Audience members at Hudders-field Town Hall rose to their feeton Saturday 21 September toshow their appreciation for over100 young people from Barnsley.

The standing ovation came atthe end of a joint concert of theBarnsley Youth Choir and HonleyMale Voice choir, who had invitedthe young performers to jointhem in an event that celebratedmusic through the ages.

A two hour concert featuredindividual choir performances aswell as several joint pieces. Largenumbers of students fromHorizon Community Collegewere involved.

Helena Hunter, a Year 10 stu-dent at Horizon CommunityCollege, sang an important solo,with the massed choir of 250 anda professional band backing her.

Afterwards, she said, “It was a

privilege to sing with HonleyMale Voice Choir in such anamazing venue – it was reallyposh! The acoustics were fantas-tic. I was really nervous but reallyhappy with how it went.”

Over 600 people attended theevent, held in the town’s grandTown Hall Concert Room, with200 of them having travelled fromBarnsley to support the youngsingers.

Helena impresses with important solo

Young people’s opinions count. Joseph, Kate, Sarah, Lauren with Miss Dix whowere judges for the ‘Small Shops’ category at the Barnsley Civic Trust Shop Awards.

Mr Woodhouse with Year 7 student Morgan Horsefield with his presentation of‘Why would I make a good Student Leader’ which was used during his interview.


I would like to say a huge welcome backto everybody in our new Year 8 school.

After a great first year, I am really look-ing forward to making sure that every stu-dent in the Year 8 School will have a fan-tastic time by creating lots of exciting pro-jects and events for everyone to partici-pate in.

From sport, dance, drama, art, busi-ness enterprise and much more, you willsee a wide range of activities and visitsthat will suit everybody.

There will also be an area on our schoolwebsite where you will be able to leavecomments and suggestions for me tocreate opportunities that don’t currentlyexist.

Student Voice will also be continuingagain this year as it gives everybody inour school the chance to make importantdecisions on their learning journeys hereat Horizon.

Throughout this year our students willbe visiting partner primary schools in anafter-school superstars program whereour students will be trained in co-deliver-ing a broad range of activities to primaryschool children under the direction ofqualified staff.

Also in our Year 8 School, we have adedicated area where you will be able tocontact me and see regular updates of allof the opportunities for you all.

I am delighted to be able to welcome youto the Year 8 School at HorizonCommunity College. I would like all whoare associated with our work to shareand contribute to our ‘Big Picture’ as webelieve that it is through collaboration andthe working towards shared and ‘smart’goals which will enable us to build theoutstanding school our children deserve.Starting a new school can be daunting.We understand this. That is why the care,guidance and support that our childrenwill receive will be second to none.

Our “Think Big” philosophy allows us totake focus on three core goals, which webelieve will enable the students in ourschool to become successful and happycitizens.

Asking our learners to: B - be prepared for every lesson and

behave appropriately is a crucial traitthat is a non-negotiable with our stu-dents.

I - improve their grades and levels in all oftheir subjects, because we understandthe importance of preparing our learn-ers for an ever changing world.

G - get to school and every lesson ontime because we realise that high ratesof attendance go together with highrates of achievement.

Leadership Teamreport

CommunityEnterprise reportMr Powell

By Bradley Healey, 8K

Last season, Barnsley avoided rele-gation by the skin of their teeth. So,what was going to happen this sea-son? With new arrivals exciting thefans, and everyone having faith inDavid Flitcroft, all seemedwell. Many fansbelieved that a play-off finish was realis-tic.

Over the summer,the staff at BarnsleyFootball Club haveworked hard to signquite a few newfaces. Jean Yves-Mvoto and BayernMunchen midfielder, DaleJennings have made themselves athome, while Lewin Nyatanga hasbeen welcomed back.

During pre-season, these playerslooked fit and gave a good impres-sion to the crowd as Barnsley gath-ered wins.

However, when the season started,the injuries came in and took someof the best players. Nyatanga andMartin Cranie were amongst theseand the suspension of Jennings did-n’t help matters.

This weakened the defence andmidfield. We were at our first

game and the crackswere already begin-ning to show, asBarnsley lost 4-0 to astrong Wigan side.

Another series ofheavy defeats to

Blackburn, South-ampton and Wat-

ford plunged theBarnsley fans into mis-

ery. Many are now askingquestions of Flitcroft as Barnsley

are at the bottom of the table.This begs the questions, what is to

become of David Flitcroft’s red andwhite army? Will the return ofinjured players help the side, andwhat changes could be made?

Rock bottom andquestions asked

To provide the perfectenvironment to bring out thevery best in our students,their families and membersof the wider community.

Ellie Hawcroft 8I, interviewedYear 8 Head of School, Mr Buckley, to discuss thisyear’s goals and ambitions.

“As soon as you step foot in our Year8 School you get a flavour of ourmantra which is all around askingour students to think big andachieve their personal best.

“We ask our students to do that inwhatever walk of life they choose totake here. Our ‘Think BIG’ philoso-phy allows us to focus on what wethink are our three core goals and webelieve that these will enable thestudents in our school to becomesuccessful and happy citizens.

“The B stands for us asking ourlearners to be prepared for every les-son and behave appropriately. Webelieve that this mantra is vital andnon-negotiable with our students.

“The I stands for improving gradesand level in all subjects because weunderstand the importance of

preparing our learners for an ever-changing world.

“And finally, the G in our ThinkBIG ethos is all around the notion ofgetting to school and getting to everylesson on time because we realiseand understand that high rates ofattendance go together with highrates of achievement.

“In the Year 8 School it is a caring,ordered community with an atmos-phere of calm and purposeful learn-ing. We like to think that we treat stu-dents as individuals and we recog-nise and celebrate their differentabilities, aptitudes and interests.

“Working with sports, performingarts and development of leadershipskills are very important to us andwe endeavour to encourage these toa variety of outlets. We work hard toensure that every young person ishappy, safe and successful.

“The students are a credit tothemselves, their families and to thewhole of Horizon CommunityCollege.”

BIG ideas with apurpose for Year 8

by Imogen Butcher,Lauryn Tazzyman,Chloe Brammall,Jordan Bennie,and Owen Hirst

On the 2 October 2013, five Year 8pupils: Imogen Butcher, LaurynTazzyman, Chloe Brammall,Jordan Bennie, and Owen Hirst,went to the Metrodome to enter-tain the elderly at the Inter-national Older People’s Day.

The first thing they did was lookaround the stalls.

Jordan and Owen performedfirst with their version of ‘Star

Wars’ with a remix twist of themusic.

Next, Lauryn, Imogen andChloe did their ‘Adams Family’with the scary doll.

Finally, the Year 9 group Ernie’sIncredible Illucinations went onand did two scenes.

Edith Bind said, “It was a won-derful and fantastic entertain-ment, well worth seeing!”

The students said, “Overall itwas a fantastic day. Everyonethere really enjoyed it. We feltreally honoured to have beenselected to entertain them, andwe hope that we can go back nextyear to perform for them again!”

Students entertainat InternationalOlder People Day

On Friday 20 September, MrRobson and Principal Mr Bowenwere invited to BBC Radio York toattend the launch of the BBCSchool News Report.

The educational project waslaunched live on air at 4.40pm, withBBC School Producer Angie Pitt andtwo teachers from across NorthYorkshire, discussing the projectwith BBC Radio York presenterGraham Mackem.

BBC News School Report gives 11to 16-year-old students in the UK thechance to make their own newsreports for a real audience and thescheme runs from now until the UKNews Day on 27 March 2014.

Using lesson plans and materialsfrom the BBC website, and with sup-port from BBC staff and partners,teachers help students develop theirjournalistic skills to become SchoolReporters.

Mr Robson said, “HorizonCommunity College already has itsvery own News Team that works on

The Horizon newspaper. We are nowlooking to further recruit wannabeschool news reporters and with thehelp of the BBC and all the resourcesthey provide, who knows, maybe wecould find the next Hugh Edwards!”

If any students are interested intaking part in the project they cancontact Mr Robson directly.

In the meantime, all details can befound by visiting the BBC website atwww.bbc.co.uk/schoolreport.

BBC School NewsReport launched

Mr Buckley picturedwith Year 8 studentAdrianna Darlow.


‘The RealExperience’

A stimulating, secure environment wherechildren are encouraged to becomeconfident, independent learners.

Judged by Ofsted to beoutstanding in all areas of provision.

� Children aged 0-5 years.

� Open from 7.30 am to 6.00pmMonday-Friday.

� Full and part time places available.

� Fully qualified and experienced staff.

� Fantastic outdoor facilities.

� Free places for 2 and 3 year olds.

� Flexible childcare arrangements catered for.

� Competitive rates.

Situated in the old Kingstone School Campus on Broadway.

Tel: 01226 207158Email: [email protected]

Contact Sue Wood

Community officially open HThursday 26 September, 2013 – an historic evening looking to the future education of the young p

Thursday 26 September was a greatevening as partners, parents andpupils of Horizon CommunityCollege came together for the offi-cial opening of our fantastic school.

Forty-four distinguished guestswere invited to take part in our dig-ital opening, representing theincredible wide range of people whoeither work in, partner with, or sup-port Horizon with our many excit-ing projects.

Here are a just a few of PrincipalNick Bowen’s opening remarks:

”“”“

”“

”“

”“

It’s just a really excitingplace to be. What we aretrying to do here is tomake sure we putBarnsley on the map.

We have a college that is aiming to beone of the best in the country. We havemade a great start, results up 16 percent on the previous two schools…

It’s great to have Sir Steve Houghtonhere. I would like to thank him andthe other councillors who have madeall the changes a reality.

The people that matter themost are the students, thestaff, the parents and thepeople that we work with,within the local community.

The big partof tonight isfor you tolook aroundthis iconicbuilding andto let thestudentsspeak forthemselves.

I would like to thankthe builders forconstructing such agreat facility andarchitects, Atkins, whocreated a fantasticdesign. I am sure youwill all agree what anamazing lookingbuilding Horizon is.

A few moments away from the digital opening.

Guests gather prior to the opening.

Bringing togethertwo schools in termsof students, staff and

the whole communityhas created something

new and exciting…

What a fantastic place Barnsley is. I came

down here from the north east and there is this

incredible Barnsley schools programme, where

all the secondary schools have been rebuilt and

there are wonderful iconic buildings.


Horizon College people of Barnsley

Guests arriving in the heart space of the college.

Last minute checks. Mr Brammer ensuring the opening goes smoothly.

Backstage, hardworking students prepare refreshments for the guests.


2011MOST RECOMMENDED

COMPANY

2012MOST RECOMMENDED

COMPANYFENTON & FENTON LTDStorm Damage, Leaks & Emergencies within 1hr!

We won’t be beaten on price! Our buying power plus high volumes of workenable us to work off small margins and pass the savings on to you!• We are a family company with 24 years of experience plus 3 generations of family knowledge• Over 75% referral work (95% over last 12 months) • Free written quotes usually within 24 hours• References & portfolio available with all quotes • Fully insured, qualified tradesmen• Finance available from 0%, written details on request• Deferred payment on all work allowing you time to inspect work ensuring 110% satisfaction

FOR FREE NO OBLIGATIONQUOTES AND ADVICE PHONE:

110%SATISFACTIONGUARANTEED

Web: www.fentonandfentonroofingltd.co.ukEmail: [email protected]

Head Office: Unit 26, Longfields Road, Carlton, Barnsley S71 3HT

MOBILE: 07805 004718BARNSLEY: 01226 299399

ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING WORK UNDERTAKEN - IF IT CAN BE DONE, WE DO ITMOST RECOMMENDED LOCAL ROOFING COMPANY 2012

FENTON & FENTON LTDStorm Damage, Leaks & Emergencies within 1hr!

Let us introduce ourselves.Our names are Connor and Josh Newsome,

we are former pupils of Horizon CommunityCollege and are most notable for our artwork,produced during our academic careers atHorizon, for which we achieved 100% in our ArtGCSE’s.

We are now at Barnsley College studying A-levels, one of which is Art, that we are enjoyingat the moment. We would both like to go on touniversity or a traditional art college to study afine art and painting degree, with hopes tobecome art teachers and sell our work asartists.

We are currently selling our work ascommissions, prints and our own self inspiredartwork, mainly consisting of black and whitecharcoal landscapes.

We specialise in drawing using a variety ofmediums, If you would like to get in touchabout our artwork or just to find out moreinformation, you can e-mail us on [email protected] [email protected] or visitour blog at www.artistbrothers.blogspot.com

Artforsale!

Hello and welcome back to Year 9.Our first year at Horizon was filled with

many successes, with students formingHorizon’s first “Interact Club” with thehelp of the local Rotary clubs. Also, thestudents established their own gardeningprojects, with Kingpins Nursery, devel-oped mental maths skills with a long run-ning “Space” inspired project which sawstudents build their own rockets, and avisit to the National Space Centre inLeicester (to name but a few).

This year will be much busier, withopportunities and projects coming thickand fast for all Year 9s. Already, studentshave been given the opportunity to takepart in the Duke of Edinburgh’s BronzeAward.

This famous award requires our stu-dents to commit to developing a skill, aphysical activity, and to volunteer, all overa three to six month period. It will also seethem develop key skills as they partake inthe DofE’s most famous aspect, theexpedition.

Elsewhere, our students will be givenfantastic opportunities to build their com-munity and social development, with thecreation of Horizon’s “AmnestyInternational” group, and do further workwith the Rotary clubs.

Chances to write for The Horizonnewspaper, the school website and tocreate recorded work such as podcastswill see our creative media students flour-ish.

Our students will also be given fantas-tic opportunities to sample career andhigher education options as they go intochoosing their options in this crucial year.

This year will prove to be a great chal-lenge, but one I personally am lookingforward to.


CommunityEnterprise reportMr Brammer

Following a very successful year, whichsaw many of our students excel academ-ically and participate in a wide range ofsocial, cultural and sporting activities, webegin this year ready and eager to takeon the challenges that lie ahead.

This is a very important year in our stu-dents’ school careers; when we spoke tothem in assembly on the first day, wequoted the words of the Greek philoso-pher Epictelus, who said:

‘First say to yourself what you wouldbe; and then do what you have to do.’

In this very important Options’ year, ourstudents have already begun to person-alise their timetables in the creative artsand technology subjects.

It has been really encouraging to havethe opportunity for in-depth conversa-tions with families about their child’s indi-vidual progress and where their currentcareer path leads.

We remain committed to raising stu-dents’ aspirations.

To provide the perfectenvironment to bring out thevery best in our students,their families and membersof the wider community.

By Mrs Johnston,Head of School

Our students enjoyed excellentattendance in Year 8, with manyachieving over 95%. This is some-thing that we are determined tobuild on and exceed in Year 9, andhave planned a range of incentivesand prize draws to reward both con-sistently good and improved atten-dance.

To that end, eighty-five students inour year group visited Hull and YorkUniversities recently, where theywere able to sample university lifeand begin to consider possible acad-emic pathways.

The feedback we have receivedfrom the universities, staff and stu-dents demonstrate that the visitshave been highly successful, and ourstudents have talked enthusiastical-ly about what they have gained fromsuch visits.

We are delighted to report thatmore visits are planned to

Cambridge, Manchester andLiverpool over the coming months.

Following our highly successfulgroup residential to WinmarleighHall, a trip to Paris in May 2014 hasbeen organised for our students.Highlights will include visits to theEiffel Tower, Montmartre, ParcAstérix and a boat trip on the RiverSeine. Très bon!

Student Community Enterprisewas highly successful in our firstyear at Horizon, with students tak-ing part in a wide variety of projects.

Examples included building sand-pits and gardening in the Kingpins’Nursery, inter-form football compe-titions organised by the students,building and flying rockets duringour Space Race Maths program,experiencing the working environ-ment of the health and building pro-fessions, and performing in theSouth Yorkshire Youth DramaFestival.

These activities complementedour community events such as the

Remembrance and Christmas ser-vices, for which our students madefood hampers for the local elderly.Our Enterprise Ambassadors con-tinue to work closely with RotaryInternational, creating Horizon’svery own ‘Interact’ Club.

Our Year 9 dance groups producedsome high quality pieces for their“Great Gatsby” themed routine inwhich up to sixty students per-formed on 24 October in “At theMovies” dance show.

We are confident that our studentswill continue to aspire to be the bestthat they can be, working alongside avery strong team of staff who willsupport and encourage them.

As a year group, we are currentlyplanning our Christmas charityevents. Please keep an eye on ourwebsite for further details over thecoming weeks.

In the meantime, we would like towish the students and families ofYear 9 a very happy and successfulyear. May the SPACE be with you!

By Mr Brammer,Year 9 CommunityEnterprise Co-ordinator.

Exciting times lie ahead for Year9! The Duke of Edinburgh’sBronze Award is coming toHorizon and the buzz surround-ing the year group is gainingmomentum.

Students and parents alike metwith staff on the evening of 24September for information on theaward, and an inspirational talkfrom Barnsley resident andauthor, Mr David Peckett.

Mr Peckett, whose book andtalk were based on the story of hisextraordinary trip from Barnsleyto the base camp of Everest,

inspired the young participants totake up the idea of adventure, andsign up to the award.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s BronzeAward will see participants fromYear 9 complete four sections: Avolunteering, skill based, physicalbased and expedition section.

The first three sections willrequire students to commit to twosections for three months, andone section for six months.

The expedition is what theDuke of Edinburgh is undoubted-ly known for. This will see partici-pants develop their own trekroute, and take part in a two dayhike and camp in the PeakDistrict.

En route to this expedition, they

will be required to learn aboutfirst aid, orienteering, cooking,camping skills and much more.

The launch evening was a hugesuccess, with both students andparents going away excited aboutthe prospect of Duke of Edinburgh.

As the event drew to a close,many stayed behind to speak withDavid Peckett, to ask questionsabout what they could do to gettheir award.

Duke of Edinburgh will nodoubt gain in popularity atHorizon throughout the year, andour students will be very busydoing their activities.

We will keep you updated ontheir progress throughout theyear!

On Tuesday 17 September,students from Year 9 spent theday at the Universities of Hulland York. The aim of the visitwas to allow students to expe-rience life as a university stu-dent and to inspire them toaim for higher education.

Students were given excel-lent treatment by the studentambassadors from the univer-sities, and experienced a tourof the campus, a typical uni-versity lesson, met with lectur-ers and got to ask university

students what life was like forthem.

They also were given knowl-edge of the ‘UCAS’ systemused to select universities, andto give them information onwhat they need to go on to dothe degree which intereststhem.

For many of the Year 9s, theidea of university was either along way off, or was not even aconsideration. After the day,most of the students had apositive view on going to uni-

versity, or higher education ingeneral.

The visit was also very posi-tive for the Year 9’s immediatefuture, as they prepare tochoose their options for GCSEsnext year.

With a clearer idea of whatthey want to do after school,many students are now usingtheir experience from their dayat university to guide theminto what is a very importantperiod of their educationallives.

An exciting year ahead

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award launch

Visits to the Universitiesof Hull and York

Students involved in discussions with University staff.Lessons in full flow.

Putting their skills to the test.



By Bob Williams

The annual Festival of Remembrance,organised by The Royal British LegionBarnsley Group, will this year take place,for the first time, at Horizon CommunityCollege.

Being held in the Horizon Theatre onThursday 7 November at 7pm, all are wel-come, with people being asked to be intheir seats by 6.55pm. Although entry willbe free there will be an opportunity forpeople, should they wish, to make adonation to support the ever-increasingwork of the Legion.

The Festival, which commemoratesand honours all those who have lost theirlives in conflicts, promises to be both an

enjoyable and emotional evening for peo-ple of all ages.

Taking part will be Barnsley ChronicleBand, Millhouse Green Male Voice Choirand students from Horizon CommunityCollege, with the evening hosted by for-mer Head of Communications atBarnsley Council, Bob Williams.

The evening will be attended by theMayor of Barnsley and other civic andcommunity leaders and it’s hoped thatthe Mayors of a number of neighbouringboroughs will also attend.

Commenting, Aubrey Martin-WellsChairman, Royal British Legion BarnsleyGroup said: “For many years the Festivalhas been staged at St Mary’s Church, buta chance discussion with a member of the

community team at Horizon, planted theidea of a move. The opportunity to workwith and involve so many young peoplewas obviously too good to miss and, withthe Festival attracting bigger audienceseach year, we will also hopefully benefitfrom using a larger venue. As with previ-ous years, it will be a great tribute to ourfallen comrades in arms.”

Adding his own thoughts,Nick Bowen, Horizon Com-munity College Principal said:“It will be a great honour tostage, and for our students totake part in, such a prestigiousevent. As in previous years we areplanning to mark remembranceand for our events to culminate inthis Festival of Remembrance will befantastic for all concerned with thecollege. I would urge students and par-ents alike to join us for this ‘night toremember’.”

Legion looks to new horizonto remember

The Royal British Legion, Barnsley Branch, Festival of Remembrance, 7 November 2013.

“”It will be a great honour tostage, and for our studentsto take part in, such aprestigious event.

Nick Bowen,Horizon Community College Principal

By Sam Dimelow

So firstly introduce yourselfand tell us what your role is atHorizon Community College?

I work in the reprographics office,solely on my own. I do all the photo-copying for everyone in school. I also doa lot of binding, laminating and thingsfor displays around school. I also copyall the documents for management andthe school governors.

If I asked you for a bookletcontaining 50 pages and Iwanted 200 of them, is thatsomething you could do?

Yes and it is a very quick turnaround,it wouldn’t take long for me to do that. Ifanyone in college needs anything copy-ing then I can do it for them.

What is your daily routine?Truthfully? I put on the boss’s coffee to

heat up. That is the first job I do as soonas I come in at 7.20 am. After that, I turnon all the copying machines and finallymy computer. Then I am ready to startwork. I normally work straight through,only having my 30 minute dinner breakalthough I do stop to make myself a hotdrink.

What is your favourite book,colour and T.V programme?

I don’t have a favourite book as I onlyreally read magazines. When I go onholiday, I take lots of magazines. Myfavourite colour is lemon. Believe it ornot, my favourite T.V programme is Dealor No Deal.

So you’re not a Downton Abbey fanthen Elaine?

No, but I do like Coronation Street andI absolutely love the new SurpriseSurprise. I like the Dancing pro-grammes, like Strictly Come Dancingand I even go to the Arenas to watchthem live.

What do you enjoy doingmost? – Do you have anyspecific hobbies?

I don’t have any specific hobbies,although I do enjoy going on holiday,including going on cruises. My partner’s

sister lives in Austrailia so we have beenthere to visit her. I like cooking, and I amquite a good baker. At my previousschool – Kingstone, I was well knownfor my chocolate cake and scones.

What is the most unusual ormost interesting fact aboutyourself that not many peoplewill know?

I struggled with this, so my daughterhelped me. I like going to music gigs,and in fact I love Kings of Leon and theband Elbow. My favourite song by Kingsof Leon is “Sex is on Fire”. I have beento see both bands at Manchester Arena,I have actually booked to see Elbowagain next year.

What is the mostembarrassing thing thathas happened to youwhilst at Horizon?

Nothing here, but at my previousschool – Kingstone, the SeniorManagement team asked the supportstaff to put together a Christmas playand the theme was “The 12 Days ofChristmas”. I was the 12th day and very,very nervous. As I was well known forbaking scones, I ended up dressing upas a chef and had 12 scones heldtogether with a piece of string.Everybody was laughing and cheering,and in the end everyone who took partreally enjoyed themselves and had areally good time.

Elaine – her finger’salways on the button

Sarah – inspiring a generationInterview with Elaine Dutton – ReprographicsInterview with Sarah Goldthorpe – Assistant Editor (BBC Look North)

Elaine Dutton – reprographics guru atHorizon College.

By Kate Pursley

Tell me a story fromyour childhood

“I’ll go back to my earliest memorywhen I was learning to ride a bike.The reason I remember it is becauseit was a blazing hot summer like theone we had this year.

My dad was the one who let go ofthe saddle and I just remember thesense of absolute freedom and I wasall of a sudden just riding my bike. Itseemed like the best thing that I hadever done and I could do it on myown and do it independently.

I remember having a big smile onmy face as the wind ran through myhair.”

Who was the person whomost influenced you,and how?

“When I was thinking about goinginto journalism, Kate Adie was thewoman who was in every war zone atthe time.

“She was bringing us the newsfrom there and putting herself in per-ilous situations to do that.

“I wouldn’t say, though, that shewas my main influence for me to dowhat I do as a career. It was actuallymy Granddad who held me in hisarms when I was very young butsadly passed when I was young.

“I don’t really have any recollectionof him, but my mum always talked alot about him and said that he was awriter. He used to walk miles aroundthe hills here locally and he knewthem like the back of his hand.

“My mum said that he was a writerand that if I would have known him,we would have got on like a house onfire because we would have had somuch in common in terms of readingbooks, keeping up-to-date in what ishappening in the world and writing.

“That is one of the main reasonswhy I wanted to be a writer. It was thefact that he was a writer and I want-ed to be like him.”

If you could choose, whatwould you be doing 10 years from now?

“I think the pinnacle of my careerwas a couple of years ago when I didwork with BBC Breakfast and I

worked with very well-known presen-ters and went out nationally to a hugeaudience.

“I think in the future, I would like topossibly go into training where I canpass something down and inspire thefuture generation. If I could choose, Ithink I would work in schoolsbecause I think it has to start early likeit did with me.”

What was the best dayof your life?

“The best day of my life was whenthe Olympic Torch arrived in Land’sEnd in 2012.

“There was me and a team fromBBC Breakfast with Louise Minchinand there were only the four of uswho got to Land’s End at 4am. Asdaylight broke, the RAF helicopterflew over Land’s End to deliver theOlympic Torch and set off theOlympic relay.

“It was immense and we were onair for four hours that morning. I wasliterally running about getting gueststo talk to Louise live on air as we airedthe live broadcast of the torch.

“It was just a mental four hours andI still get goosebumps when I thinkabout it because it was just so excit-ing.”

When working on a livebroadcast what is the worstthing that could go wrong?

“The worst thing which could hap-pen when broadcasting live is thatyou lose the link.

“The link goes down and there isnothing that you can do. You are rely-ing on your technicians, so if thatgoes down, that is absolutely theworst thing which could go wrong.

“A lot of the time you only have alimited slot, especially if you are work-ing on a programme like Look Northwhen broadcasts are only 30 min-utes. You always have to have a PlanB and because it is always live televi-sion I have worked in, you have tothink about what might go wrong andwhat we can do to keep that broad-cast going.

“It happened recently with HarryGration who was at a race meeting atYork and his link cut out and he did-n’t get on air because of it and thepresenter in the studio had to link tothe planned package. He had beenthere all day and when the timecame, his link kept cutting out andwe had to keep apologising live onair.”

We have a news team incollege. What advice wouldyou give to anyone whowanted to work in themedia sector?

“My advice would be to try reallyhard through school and college togain as many skills as you possiblycan before you go on to university. Idefinitely think that you need to havea range of skills and keep abreast ofnews events and events which arehappening locally which maybe youcould pass on to your local newsreporters.”

What other field do youthink you would haveventured into if you weren’tworking for the BBC?

“I always wanted to be a teacher. Iwas eventually talked out of it but ithas always been in the back of mymind that I wanted to teach. My sub-ject would have been Englishbecause I studied English at universi-ty and writing has always been mystrength.”

Sarah Goldthorpe – Assistant Editor(BBC Look North)



CommunityEnterprise reportMr WestI have already seen a big change in men-tality this year and it is evident that our stu-dents are focused on their aspirations andgoals for the future.

In Community Enterprise this year, Year10 will be looking to continue the successof the “I Know I Can” challenge and we willbe looking to launch this project in thecoming weeks.

Also in Community Enterprise this yearwe are going to have a big push on stu-dent leadership and we are looking for stu-dents to be involved in as many extra-cur-ricular activities as possible.

This year is the most important to datefor our young people and the importanceof Community Enterprise is bigger thanever.

So far this year we have had two excep-tional evenings in which Year 10 repre-sented our college with flying colours.

The Official Opening saw more than fiftyYear 10 students involved in our outstand-ing digital opening, they were a credit tothe college and, most of all, their families.This year I will be looking to work withmore students to build on their enterpriseskills and I will be looking to do thisthrough subject-based activities.

Profile Miss Hewitt Year 10 Student Support Officer

‘The future’s in your hands’is the key focus for this year.We expect the students toseize this fantasticopportunity of being part ofHorizon and use this yearwisely to inform their choicesfor courses next year andbeyond…

Hello! My name is Mr Plant and I’mthe Year 10 Student Learning Co-ordinator.

Rather than giving you my lifestory, I want to tell you instead aboutmy summer holiday. During the sixweeks break I went to Japan. It was atrip I had been wanting to do formany years (but I just had to save up)and I was really looking forward to it.

Japan is famous for many things;sumo wrestling, sushi, manga (somesort of cartoon), martial arts andtechnology – the list could go on andon and on.

But, it is also famous for MountFuji which stands at 3,776 metreselevation. For many Japanese, themountain holds a mystical qualityand they see it as a pilgrimage thatonce in their lifetime they shouldclimb to see the sunrise.

So I thought ‘when in Rome’ Ishould climb it too. We started theclimb at around 8.30pm knowingsunrise that morning was going to beat 4.30am – so if my maths is correctthat meant that we had 8 hours toclimb – plenty of time right?

At first this is how we felt too butthe further up the mountain we gotthe harder and more challenging itbecame (especially those switchbacks) and time was ticking.

We had a number of markers to hitby certain times to ensure that wegot to the summit for sunrise. By the

time we got to the seventh station, itwas clear we were behind scheduleand therefore we had to push oneven harder on the toughest part ofthe climb.

Some members of our group weresuffering – my calves were killing me,but as a group we supported eachother all of the way. We were overtak-ing many other climbers who keptstopping to rest but we knew we hadto keep going.

We reached the summit at around4.10am and got into a good positionto see the sunrise – it was magnifi-cent and a scene I will never forget.

After seeing the sunrise I lookeddown the mountain and saw lots ofpeople (who we passed) who didn’tmake it to the summit in time andtherefore missed out on the once in alifetime experience that I had justencountered.

Now you might be thinking whyon earth is Mr Plant telling us abouthis summer holiday? Well, no matterwhat year you are in at Horizon youare all starting out or on your way toclimbing your very own Mount Fujiwith a plan to reach the summit bythe end of Year 11.

For some of you in Year 10 and Year11 you only have five or two termsleft to get there. My message to you isdon’t leave it too late to reach thesummit, treat each milestone suchas data collections, mock exams etc.as important steps to achieving atleast your benchmark grades inevery subject.

Sometimes it will be tough andthere will be obstacles and chal-lenges that need to be overcome –but hard work and 100% effort is thekey to your success.

My reward was a beautiful sunset.Your reward will be a brilliant set ofGCSE results.

William Batty, 10H

Molly Lonsdale-Guest, 10K

Meet your Student Learning Co-ordinator…

This year reach yourMount Fuji summit.

First of all could youintroduce yourself?

My name is Miss Hewitt, and I’verecently moved to Barnsley fromLeeds. I’m the School SupportOfficer for Year 10.What is your role going to be forthe upcoming academic year?

My main responsibility is to look

after attendance; try and increaseattendance and to make sureschool knows where students are ifthey are not in school. I also pro-vide administrative support in theYear 10 office and help look afterstudents who come to the officefor any reason.How have you found your first fewweeks at Horizon?

I have enjoyed my first fewweeks here – the office is alwaysbusy and every day is different. Ihave enjoyed starting to get toknow the students and I feel I amfinally starting to know my wayaround the building!Where did you workbefore joining Horizon?

Before I started at Horizon Iworked at a high school in Leeds. Iworked there for 12 years, and overthat time, I had a variety of roles.

Prior to that, I worked for HSBCbank for 13 years.How does your job differto other schools youhave worked at?

In my previous school I spentmost of my time in the classroomcovering lessons when teacherswere absent. Although I enjoyedbeing in the classroom, I preferbeing able to spend more time get-ting to know and support studentsin school, as I can in my role atHorizon. Do you have a message forYear 10?

My message would be to makethe most of the next two years.Always try your best in everythingthat you do and then you willachieve the best you can. Your timeleft at Horizon will go by a lot fasterthan you think!

Putting inthe hoursHave you ever wondered what ourstudents do on a Friday afternoonafter school?

Well, fifteen, Year 10 Studentstook themselves to the exceptionalRoyal Photography Associationbeing held at The Civic Gallery,Barnsley on Friday 27 September.

What?! After school?! On ourphotography course our aspira-tions are to visit galleries inLondon and abroad, but realisti-cally we go to galleries on our‘doorstep’.

The mix of students from the twogroups are studying GCSE ArtPhotography and need to researchother artists and photographers’work to become inspired andimprove their own outcomes.

On the visit, the students tookphotos of work they like, but moreimportantly of work which relatedto the current theme of‘Landscapes’.

Mr McCall, who organised thevisit, was impressed with the detailof conversations being hadbetween the students about thephotographs.

David Sinclair, the Civic GalleryManager, was pleased to see thegroup stating how much morevaluable it was as an experience tosee real art and photographsrather than just seeing them onthe internet.

Year 10 students, Arron Murphy,Connor Kirby and Joe Egan not onlyjuggle school life with home life, butbecause they are players inprofessional football clubs, they arealso released from school once aweek to learn their trade at theirrespective academies.

Arron Murphy, a talentedgoalkeeper is currently on the booksof Barnsley Football club spendingTuesday’s down at Oakwell and hasaspirations to be the next JackButland.

Connor Kirby has recently signedon at Sheffield Wednesday andspends Thursday’s at Hillsborough,training with fellow aspiringfootballers hoping one day to pull onthe Owl’s shirt as a centralmidfielder.

Joe Egan is at Huddersfield TownFootball Club. Joe is a defender andhas the ability to play anywhere. Hehas been at Huddersfield Town for anumber of years now and like theother two, has dreams of one day

becoming professional.The day release program is

designed so that it has minimumimpact on studies and the three

students are well aware that schoolwork must come first.

The Year 10 team would like towish them all the best.

Home grown stars of the future

Joe Egan, Arron Murphy and Connor Kirby – the future in their hands.

Year 10 have made an excellent start toKS4 since they have returned to schoolafter the summer holidays. We have beenimpressed by the application, focus andenthusiasm shown by students and it isclear that they recognise the importanceof this year and the impact it will have ontheir results and their future. Studentshave relished the opportunity to startsubjects they have chosen through the‘Choices’ process and staff have com-mented on the positive start studentshave made.

The Year 10 Leadership team has beenstrengthened by the appointments of Mr.Plant as our Student Learning Co-ordina-tor, Mrs. Fielding and Mrs. Derbyshire asour Student Support Co-ordinators andMrs. Hewitt as our new School SupportOfficer. Never has a team been morecommitted to supporting youngsters toachieve their very best.

Tutor time activities are taking a signifi-cant role in supporting Year 10 studentsthrough KS4. Weekly numeracy, literacyand STEM sessions are complementedby a weekly ‘My Future’ session focusedon careers and life beyond Horizon CC.Young people in Year 10 are in an envi-able position. They have had a year tosettle into their new surroundings andnow have two years to maximise theirpotential in all subjects. We look forwardto working closely in partnership with stu-dents, teachers and parents to ensurethat our young people achieve the chal-lenging targets that have been set thisyear.


WE NEED

YOU!Do you want something to doin your spare time?• Make a difference • Do something worthwhile• Meet new friends • Learn new skills?Whatever the reason please call for more information aboutour volunteering opportunies.We currently need volunteersin our 4 shops:Wombwell, Barnsley, Cudworth and Hoyland.

Please call Sue on

01226 776820We would love to hear from you!!!

Barnsley

Interview with Maria Beckettedited by Samantha Dimelow

First of all could you pleaseintroduce yourself?

My name is Maria Beckett and I ampart of the organising committee forthe International Older Peoples Day.International Older People’s Day,what does it mean?

International Older People’s Day isan idea from the United Nationswhich dates back many years. It is anInternational celebration of olderpeople and their place in the com-munity. International Older People’sDay is celebrated on 1 October everyyear.

What kind of things happen? Different areas of the country put

on different events, ranging fromexhibitions to trips and other variousthings.

We put on a similar event everyyear, from information stands toentertainment. It is an opportunityfor people to get together and meetup with a FREE LUNCH provided.

How do people get involved? Flyers are put out wherever we

can, we advertise in shop windowswith posters. Other charity groupsalso spread the word. The method wefind most useful is word of mouth.

I was disappointed that SWYPFT –(South & West Yorkshire PartnershipFederation Trust) couldn’t attendtoday, however they help with thefunding throughout the year. Theyalso provide cakes that we sell intheir venues to raise money. We keepall the profits.

The money raised, does it go toany particular cause or does it gotowards organising the event?

It goes towards paying for theevent, we don’t usually receive fund-ing – we’ve had a little bit of funding

this year but normally we have tofundraise for a year for the event.

Horizon College and theStudents have been involved –How’s that gone?

Amazing!!! Phil and I had a meet-ing earlier on in the year – in factthere was still snow on the ground.We were discussing some of thethings that the students could put onand I thought to myself if this hap-pens it will be good – but will it hap-pen?

It has been beyond my expecta-tions. No one has left early; everyonehas stayed for the entertainment.This is the fourth year we have donethis. In previous years we have paidfor entertainment and people havestill left early or taken one look andthought “oh no, not them again” –This is the first time we have hadanything Intergenerational.

What types of entertainmenthave we had?

We have had performances and aselection of music – 50’s, and 60’sonwards. Everyone’s needs havebeen catered for. I have never seen somany smiles as in this room today.

Has it been a massive success? The whole day has been a massive

success! When the word gets outabout how good the entertainmentwas today, I think next year will be“the bumper”.How can people get involved for next year?

They can either get in touch withPhil Wormald from Age UK, or con-tact myself on 01226 218130.

Is there a big thank youfor everyone today?

More than a big thank you, I want-ed to go around every child and givethem a great big hug. It has beentremendous. I can’t praise HorizonCommunity College enough.

Excellent!!! None of this would havebeen made possible if it wasn’t for theefforts of Mr Powell, staff and stu-dents.

Horizon celebrate International Older People’s Day

Committe Member, Maria Beckett

Summer Lane Primary School

By Alfie R

“I have been at Summer Laneseven years now. I have got to knowsome of the teachers, who are kindand friendly, really well. They organ-ise lots of trips such as Kingswood,Eden Camp and the Water Works. Asa Year 6 pupil, I am really looking for-ward to going to Winmarleigh Hallbecause the Year 6’s from last yearsaid it was EPIC!

“Our playground is always beingupdated; it’s really big and fun! Inever get bored. I have loved mytime at Summer Lane and I havemade some really good friends, likeLuca and Elliot.

By Ruby P

“This is my last year at SummerLane and I already have lots of goodmemories which will stay with meforever. Each year seems to get moreexciting with more trips and thingsto do. I am especially looking for-ward to our residential trip toWinmarleigh Hall, which is a fournight stay at an adventure centre.

“The teachers at Summer Laneencourage us to try our best and ifwe get stuck help us to understandwhere we are going wrong. I havebeen at Summer Lane for six yearsnow, and, with the help of my friendsand teachers, this year will be thebest yet.”

By Mollie K

“My teachers have always tried tohelp bring out the best in me, both inthe classroom and out of school. Ihave already found that in Year 6 Iam being encouraged to becomemore independent and set an exam-ple for the younger boys and girls inschool. Our school won the firstProud of Barnsley award, and it real-ly did make me feel very proud! OurYear 6 teacher, Mrs Porter, is makingsure that our last year at SummerLane will be one to remember.”

Meet Miss CornerBy Jamie F and Curtis A

Miss Corner is a new teacher atSummer Lane. She works in theFoundation Stage alongside MissSilverwood. To find out a little more

about her, we were given permis-sion to ask her a few questions…Why did you want tobecome a teacher?

I love working with children and Ilove helping them learn.What are your first impressionsof Summer Lane?

Summer Lane is a friendly schoolwhich is also welcoming and invit-ing.What is your favourite subjectyou like to teach?

My favourite two subjects are artand literacy.How do you relax aftera day at school?

I go to our school’s Zumba class ona Thursday night, or other days I liketo watch a good film, with a cup oftea.What do you enjoy mostabout Summer Lane?

I enjoy working with the friendlystaff and the children. Every day isexciting in Foundation 2.

Some experiences ofgrowing up at Summer Lane

By Mr Beale Science

A group of Year 11 boys, as part ofthe Horticulture group, have been

nurturing their green fingers overthe past year. Whilst in Year 10 theytook part in a variety of tasks,including helping local communityprojects, but their main objectivewas to grow their own produce.

Towards the end of the summerterm we saw a bumper collection ofpeas, broad beans, salad crops andstrawberries; and since returningin September they have been har-vesting the potatoes, carrots andonions that were planted last year.

The lads have been busy prepar-

ing the area ready for a repeat thisyear – with plans to extend theamount of herbs and flowers thatare grown this time around.

Bumper harvest on the allotment

Students entertain the guests.



CommunityEnterprise reportMiss DixHaving had the chance to settle intoHorizon, I am now thrilled to be workingwith Year 11 school. It’s definitely a chal-lenging role but the work Mr Robson hasalready undertaken has provided me withmany opportunities for exciting new pro-jects.

Year 11 is such an important year forour pupils. The focus is most definitely onexams but Community Enterprise stillplays a vital role in our students’ futuresuccess. This year I want to concentrateon encouraging our students to preparetheir CVs. Many of them are alreadythinking about their next step afterHorizon; they may wish to go to collegeto study for a Btec or A-levels or theymight want to enter a work-based learn-ing programme. Having a well-developedCV, full of not only good qualifications buta collection of skills, abilities and experi-ences, will really help them stand outfrom the pack in terms of securing futureemployment or a place at college.

Of course, Year 11 is also about theProm so no doubt you’ll be receivingmany updates on this very special eventvia our newspaper and the website!

Aspire &AchieveTo support our students toachieve the very higheststandards we aim to raisethe aspirations, expectationsand achievements of all ofour learners. We also aim tosupport every individuallearner to be the very bestthey can be at all times.

In November, a small cohort ofpupils will be visiting OxfordUniversity to investigate theirfuture options.

Year 11 pupils will be providedwith advice and guidance on theirpost-16 options and the event willinclude taster sessions, talks onA-level choices and post-univer-sity career options.

We are really looking forward totaking our students along toOxford after the wonderful trip toBirmingham University last year. Students at Horizon are recog-nising that they are global com-petitors and that they should beable to access the very best insti-tutions in the country.

Oxford University beckonsfor Year 11 students

2012/2013 was a stunning year forthe new Year 10 school. It wasfilled with successes around theschool, on the playing fields, inthe theatre, in the business worldand more importantly, in theexam hall.

There are so many talented anddelightful young people, thatselecting just three to receive anaward at the end of Year 10 wasalmost impossible.

The chosen Learning Ambas-sadors are true leaders of theHorizon Community College; theirrelentless commitment, enthusi-asm for learning and their willing-ness to engage in every aspect ofschool life made them worthyrecipients of a special award.

The award for OutstandingAchievement went to MatthewLister.

The award for OutstandingCommitment to Learning wasawarded to Charlotte Daley.

The award for OutstandingContribution to College Life wasawarded to Aaron Purcell Cox (pic-tured right).

More photographs of the awardscan be found on our website.

Outstanding studentscelebrate success

What a wonderful set of resultsachieved by students whilst still inYear 10 at Horizon!

All Year 10 pupils sat their GCSEMaths examination in June 2012.The vast majority of pupils (95%)passed their Maths GCSE with halfof the pupils passing at Level 2.

Amy Holling and Matthew Lister,were awarded an A* grade inMathematics which shows excel-lent progress and an outstandingoutcome after only one year at KeyStage 4.

In addition, most Year 10 pupilssat their GCSE Core Science exam-ination. With the exception of onlyone child, all pupils who sat theexam gained a pass grade and 60percent of these pupils gained aLevel 2 qualification. Students willnow go on to study AdditionalScience throughout Year 11.

Hannah Agnew, Thomas Dunk-ley, Ben Homer, Oliver James,Molly Kenny, Matthew Lister, EdeOshod, Christopher Robinson andCaroline Todd were all awarded anA* grade in Core Science.

A fabulous set of results for themall.

Congratulations!

Miss Dix, the new CommunityEnterprise Coordinatorfor Year 11, speaks to TheHorizon about her new role incollege.

You were appointed in May thisyear, how have you settled in?

Very well. I have a great team ofCommunity Enterprise Coordin-ators around me and the Year 11team have welcomed me on board.The pupils at Horizon are so politeso working with them has been apleasure.You are now attached to the Year 11School, what exciting enterprisingprojects can the Year 11s look for-ward to this year?

Well hopefully a few projects inconjunction with the HospitalCharity, such as Zombie Run andBag2School. I also want to encour-age students to approach the Promfrom an enterprising perspective;getting them to sell tickets and makedecisions regarding dress code andmenu etc. Year 11 – Much of the focus will beon exams and controlled assess-ments, how does CommunityEnterprise fit into the Year 11 plan?

I’m trying to create lots of oppor-tunities for students to enhancetheir CVs with various little one-offprojects, things like lunch-time ses-sions working with primary schoolpupils or children from the nursery.Experiences that pupils can add totheir CVs but that don’t take themaway from the classroom. What was the last book you read?

At the moment I’m writing a pan-tomime script so I recently re-readGrimms’ Fairy Tales by the BrothersGrimm for a bit of inspirationWho has been your inspiration?

My team of fellow CommunityEnterprise Coordinators have reallyhelped and inspired me.

What’s been the highlight for you sofar?

I’ve had the opportunity to formlinks with Barnsley Hospital Charityso getting to know the staff there hasbeen lovely. I also helped run front ofhouse for the college’s production ofLes Miserables and that was brilliantexperience.

Thank you for your interview andwe look forward to reading all aboutthe new and exciting things that willbe happening this year in the Year 11School!

Miss Dix, performing Mother Goosein pantomime.

New appointmentfor Mr RobsonAfter a very enjoyable andsuccessful year with Year 10as Community EnterpriseCoordinator, Mr Robson hasbeen given the challenge ofBusiness Enterprise andMarketing for Horizon College.

“I’ve had great support fromthe staff, and look forward toworking with them in thefuture,” he said.

What a wonderful year we had last year.The pupils and staff fully embraced thechallenge of “Aspiring to Achieve” theirvery best. Summer 2013 brought aboutan important set of results for us at theend of Year 10. Half of our pupils havealready gained a level 2 qualification inboth Science and Maths and they stillhave a year to go. Pupils also successful-ly gained qualifications in Music,Accounting and Geography. We are wellon our way to achieving beyond nationalexpectations.

This academic year will no doubt bethe most important one in our pupils’education so far, with KS4 examinationsand important decisions about post 16education to be made. Perhaps one ofthe most exhilarating features of Year 11is the end of year prom; it’s quite possiblethat staff look forward to this as much aspupils do! The prom plays an importantrole in celebrating a successful year ofstudy and really does serve as a rewardto all those who have worked hard.

Whilst the focus for any Year 11 pupil isundoubtedly on their impending exams,there will also be opportunities for stu-dents to enhance their work relatedlearning portfolio. In the current climate,it’s vital that our young people stand outfrom the pack and can really offer andevidence skills that are attractive toprospective employers. Projects organ-ised by the Community Enterprise teamwill no doubt offer these opportunitiesand pupils are encouraged to take themup as and when appropriate.

New role for Miss Dix


Operating as an experienced and reliable

construction company within the Barnsley area

we undertake all aspects of building work from:

� Extensions

� Kitchen fitting

� Joinery work

� Plastering

� Decorating

With a hands-on approach to every aspect of

every project A.N.S Construction are the firm for you.

Whatever the size of your project

contact us now for a free estimate

A.N.S Construction Limited17 Queensway, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S75 2QF

Tel: 01226 215433 Mob: 07810112151 e-mail: [email protected]

SUPPLIER OF DISCOUNTED QUALITY CABLES, CONNECTORS AND ADAPTERS

www.bluechargedirect.co.uk BARNSLEY 01226 805244

Horizon Community College 5(AET) Penistone Grammar 3

Year 7 School would like to say ahuge thank you to Dave Thistlewoodof BlueCharge Direct and Adam Selbyof A.N.S Construction, two local com-panies who have sponsored our foot-ball kit (modelled below by team cap-tain, Brandon Fearn and hat-trickhero, Wade Ripley).

During the first outing in Horizon

green, the Year 7 team took onPenistone Grammar in a very toughSouth Yorkshire Cup fixture. Battlingthrough high winds and lashing rain,the Horizon team found themselvesdown 2-0 at half time. The second-halfbegan in the same vein but a string ofsubstitutions changed the game. Twosecond-half goals from Wade Ripleyand a goal from Joe Herring forced thegame into extra time. Owen

Hampshire’s persistence in front ofgoal also paid off, with a brilliant fin-ish from the edge of the box beforeRipley sealed the game; scoring hishat-trick by converting a superb rundown the right flank.

The game was played in good spiritsby both sets of players who duly shookhands and chatted after the game.Horizon would like to wish Penistonegood luck for the rest of the season.

New kit launch inspires Year 7 to South Yorkshire Cup success

Worsbrough Common Primary School Queen’s Road Academy

On Monday 30 September 2013, MrWoodhouse & Mr West from theCommunity Enterprise team visitedWorsbrough Common primaryschool to meet the newly formedWorsbrough Common news team.

The team will consist of 6 studentsfrom different year groups in theschool who all showed an interest inbeing involved in the reporting team.

Some of these students did somereporting last year for our previouseditions of The Horizon. This teamwas put together by the new memberof staff in charge of Innovation &Technology down at WorsbroughCommon, Mrs Fisher. The team willbe responsible for gathering storiesfor their school and reporting back toHorizon.

One student, Harvey, Year 6, had amessage for the school saying,“Throughout this year until Year 6leave, I will be gathering stories fromour school”. Harvey went on to say,

“For the next edition of the newspa-per I will be looking out for all yourspectacular work on the praise pageand your classes blogs.” The teamwas extremely excited about settingup and gathering the storiesthroughout the year.

Elizah, Year 6 went on to say, “It’sgood for our school to get into thenewspaper because everyone cansee the great things we do atWorsbrough Common”. This newsteam has also been designed todevelop the writing skills of the stu-dents involved. Courtney, who is inYear 4, mentioned, “I’m in Year 4 andI think it is a good idea to have thenews team because it will help mewith my spellings”.

Look out in the next edition for thefirst set of stories gathered by thisexcellent set of students and remem-ber, if you attend WorsbroughCommon, get your stories in to theteam!!!

The Wizard of OzBy Leo Ogley

On Monday 23 September, M&MProductions came in and per-formed a play for the school. Therewere four actors; the Scarecrow,Lion, Tin Man and Dorothy.

My personal favourite character isthe Scarecrow because he killed thewitch and my favourite scene is inthe witch’s castle when they put thewitch in the chamber.

The play was okay at the begin-ning, but by the end I was amazed.

In the end, the Wizard of Oz givesthe four characters what they need.The scarecrow is given a brain, the tinman a heart, the lion some courageand Dorothy gets home.

The Wizard of OzBy Chloe Owen

On Monday 23 September, M&MProductions came in to do the playof the Wizard of Oz. There were fouractors; Dorothy, Tin Man, Lion andthe Scarecrow, but they were chang-ing into other characters all thetime.

My favourite character wasDorothy because her speech was flu-ent, everybody could hear her, andher singing, actions and expressionswere perfect.

My favourite scene was whenDorothy is thrown into the dungeonbecause when the Scarecrow and TinMan went to rescue her, it was cooland funny because they didn’t knowhow to open the door.

I thought that the show was funnyand dramatic because I could hearthe children laughing and I saw someteachers laughing. It was dramaticbecause the actors’ expressionsclearly demonstrated their feelings.

Newshounds atWorsbrough

M&M Productions come to QRA

By Brad Taylor, Ellie Taylorand Rhea Braddick

On Monday 23 September westarted a theme week all aboutKeeping Healthy. We have beendoing “Wake up, shake up” firstthing in the morning – it stimu-lates our brains and helps withour learning.

Mrs Brewis and the StudentCouncil have been leading this. Wehave people at the front to help usand we have to try hard not tolaugh at the little ones whose armsand legs go everywhere!

On Tuesday 24 September, weinvited lots of different charitiesand organisations to come for abig showcase in the hall. There waseven a huge health bus outsideand it had a TV in it! There werelots of free giveaways which we all

got to takehome withus.

Mrs Karan,the organiser,said, “It was a wellorganised event and the studentcouncil – Ellie, Brad, Rhea, Aimeeand Kacper – did a super job greet-ing and signing visitors intoschool.

“There were lots of charities andhealth professionals who couldhelp parents and children withany questions they might have.”

The PTA also came and madesmoothies for all the children. Thestrawberry, kiwi and banana onewas the best. Mrs Johnson, fromthe PTA, said, “I really enjoyed theafternoon. It was a real success. Itpromoted little known charitiesand was very well organised.”

‘Wake up, shake up’for Health week

A scene from the Wizard of Oz.

Pupils looking for that next story.


Horizon staff football team who drew 2-2 against Cathedral College, Wakefield.

By Mrs Smith – Head of PE

We have had a fantastic start to thenew term in the PE Department. TheSports Fayre saw our brilliant youngleaders promoting their sports to ourYear 7 students and it has been greatto see so many students at extra-cur-ricular clubs.

The fitness suite is open every dayafter school and has been burstingwith students wanting to keep fit!Clubs that are already running include:Cheerleading, pom dance, football,netball, girls’ cricket and rugby.

The inaugural Horizon SportsAwards took place on Thursday 19September. A new tradition includingthe awarding of bronze, silver andgold stars for commitment to three,four and five extra-curricular clubsrespectively means over sixty stu-dents are now proudly wearingbadges on their blazers.

There were awards for effort, moti-vation and excellence in the twentydifferent sports offered at Horizon aswell as recognition for Leadership,Achievement at Key Stage 4,Sportsman and Sportswoman of theYear and Outstanding Contribution toPE and Sport.

Our Principal Mr Bowen presentedthe final award of the evening for“Team of the Year” which went to thenational winning pom dance teams.

It was wonderful to see so manystudents achieving awards this yearand we are really looking forward toanother successful year in the PEDepartment.

PEupdate

By Mr West

On Thursday 19 October, four stu-dents from Year 10 visited the JohnCharles Centre in Leeds for theYorkshire Boys Tennis Finals.

Having previously won the tour-nament at the South Yorkshire event,the four-man team of MitchellParker, Charlie Patrick, NathanChadwick and Jake Mason visitedthe event with high hopes.

It was a doubles tournamentwhich saw Mitchell team withCharlie and Nathan team up withJake.

These pairs represented Horizonin a Davis Cup style tournamentwhich saw Horizon match up

against seven other schools fromacross the county. The other schoolswere extremely strong and it was evi-dent after the first few matches thatHorizon would have to be at theirstrongest to overcome the obstaclesin front of them.

As the day went on Horizon strug-gled to match up with the qualitypossessed by the other teams and bythe end, Horizon were in a play-offfor seventh place.

The final was a close game withpairs from both teams playing eachother over a four-match series.

This, however, overshadowedwhat was an extremely brave perfor-mance from the team.

A big well done to the boys!

On Thursday 3 October, the Year11’s had a second round EnglishSchools FA cup away fixtureagainst Goole High School.

The match started off slowlydue to the weather conditions,but then things warmed up nice-ly, with Horizon playing somewonderful football. Goole howev-er took the lead against the playwith some clever passing and aneat finish to make it 1-0. As thefirst half progressed the tieseemed to be hanging on a cliffedge. When Aiden Moxon gotbrought down for a penalty, upstepped captain Tom Batty tocoolly equalise, only for Goole togo straight down the field afterkick off and score a second, short-ly after Goole scored a third justbefore half time. 3-1 to Goole.

With the tie heading out ofHorizon’s grip, Mr Robson andfirst team coach Mr Woodhousemade some needed changes,bringing on Sten Metz, LewisBishop and the very busy JamesCharlesworth. Horizon continuedto press and deservedly got a sec-ond. A few minutes later and acorner swung in by Bishop wasmet by the ever willing ReeceHawkshaw, whose bullet headercrashed in the top corner, 3-3!

With the tie looking like it washeading into extra time, substi-tute James Charlesworth had agoal ruled out for offside but sec-onds later had the ball in the backof the net with a very neat finish,4-3!

To cap off the afternoon (cap-tain) Tom Batty scored his secondwhen he smashed in a 40 yardeffort to make it 5-3 and gameover for Goole.

The successful Horizon cross country team.

Nathan Chadwick, Jake Mason, Mitchell Parker and Charlie Patrick.

Brave performancefrom our tennis team

Horizon College 5Goole High School 3

Goals galore at rain swept Goole

Year 11’s warming up before their fixture with Goole.

DanceWorkshopBy Miss Hunt

and Miss Martin

Year 10 students Georgia Gibbins10V, Harriet Thomas 10V, Anna Ryan10S, Sophie Wilson Ryder 10N andLucy Frost 10S, delivered danceworkshops on Friday 20 Septemberat a Primary Rugby Festival at ShawLane.

The girls taught students from sev-eral local primaries how to do theHAKA, a traditional pre-match prepa-ration for the New Zealand rugbysquad.

The children were also treated to a45-minute workshop with the girlsincluding some traditional face paint-ing. The students were a credit to theschool and fantastic role models.

Well done!

Horizon’s Team of the Year.

Premier League referee Howard Webb with Year 7 studentsduring his visit to promote ‘Horizon Sport FX’.

If you went down to the woods atWorsbrough Country Park onSaturday 19 October, you were defi-nitely in for a big surprise! A num-ber of Horizon students recently vol-unteered for Barnsley Hospital’sZombie Run.

Not satisfied with asking runners tosimply sign-up for a gentle 5k jogaround Worsbrough reservoir, KatieCartwright and Janice Starkey fromthe Hospital Charity decided to throwin a host of Zombies to both terrifyand chase runners on their route,along with a number of gruellingobstacles.

A mixture of Year 10 and 11 pupilswere stationed on an obstacle, chill-ingly entitled ‘The Refugee Camp’.

Taking on the role of zombie-apoca-lypse survivors, our actors pleadedwith passing runners to stop and helpthem. It was their job to tempt therunners away from the track andserve as human obstacles, throwingthemselves into the path of joggers toslow them down in their mission.

Miss Dix and Mr West were able torecruit students from Mrs Storey’sGCSE Drama classes but a wide vari-ety of Key Stage 4 pupils ended uptaking part, making for a very diverse,unique and memorable occasion.

Best of all, students got the chanceto support the hospital’s fund raisingas Zombie Run managed to generatethousands of pounds! We can’t waitfor next year’s run!

They came. They saw. They ran!


Editorial by the pupils and staff at The Horizon Community College. Produced by the Graphics Team at the Barnsley Chronicle and printed by Yorkshire Web, 47 Church Street, Barnsley S70 2AS. Tel: 01226 734663.

Photos by kind permission of Steve Cooper, Studio 63.

Meet some of our Sports Awards winners

In this last week, Horizon Comm-unity College has started a new ini-tiative of football coaching one nighta week.

The coaching will be provided byfully qualified FA coaches and is com-pletely free of charge and open toanyone from Years 7 to 11.

This project is something thatHoward Webb MBE, the PremierLeague referee, is supporting in part-nership with The South YorkshirePolice and Crime Commissioner,

Shaun Wright, South Yorkshire Policeand The Sheffield and HallamshireFA, who will be providing and fundingthe football coaching staff.

Howard and the SportFXSY teamhave been into Horizon CommunityCollege to discuss the project knownas Horizon SportFX with the manage-ment team. The starting date for theproject being confirmed as last Wed-nesday (23 October).

Over the coming months, there willbe an official launch with the promiseof a visit from referee Howard Webband The South Yorkshire Police andCrime Commissioner along with spe-cial guests.

There will also be more visits toschool from Howard to promote thesessions and impromptu drop-ins tosee how the coaching is getting on.

Howard said, “The SportFXSY Teamare setting up football coaching ses-sion throughout South Yorkshire andwe approached Horizon CommunityCollege as one of our ideal venuesdue to the fantastic facilities andnumbers of dedicated pupils.

“I am looking forward to workingwith the staff and the kids in gettingthese coaching sessions off theground and hope to come along to asmany as I can.”

The South Yorkshire Police andCrime Commissioner, Shaun Wrightsaid: “What Howard and theSportFXSY Team are doing in engag-ing young people in football is great. Ihave every faith that the new project

at Horizon Community College inBarnsley will be a huge success and Ilook forward to being invited to comealong and award pupils with certifi-

cates when they have some tourna-ments arranged.”

If anyone would like any furtherdetails on the project you can follow

us on Twitter @SportFXSY and Face-book www.facebook.com/SportFXSYwhere dates and times will beannounced.

Horizon

Free football coaching for all studentsEVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 23rd OCTOBER

Years 6, 7 & 8 • 6.00pm-7.00pmYears 9, 10 & 11 • 7.00pm-8.00pm

Horizon Community College

Free football coaching for all studentsEVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 23rd OCTOBER

Years 6, 7 & 8 • 6.00pm-7.00pmYears 9, 10 & 11 • 7.00pm-8.00pm

Horizon Community College

SouthYorkshirePolice and CrimeCommissioner

Your Voice SSOOUUTTHH YYOORRKKSSHHIIRREESupported by

Howard Webb

Delivered by qualified Sheffield and Hallamshire FA football coaches.Sessions are provided free of charge by the following agencies and

supported by Premier League referee Howard Webb.

Top ref to promote new football coaching sessions

Shaun Wright, the South YorkshirePolice and Crime Commissioner.

Photo:

Frank

Reid

HartlepoolMail

Adrianna Darlow.Excellence, Effort and

Motivation in Rounders.

Greg DawsonYorkshire Under 13Badminton Champion.

George NicholsonExcellence, Effort

and Motivationin Golf.

LaurenChambers

National DanceChampion

Maisie ArgyleNationalDanceChampion

Follow us on www.facebook.com/SportFXSY @SportFXSY

The Horizon October 2013

Documents

Transcript of The Horizon October 2013