Cox Green School
Newsletter
16 to 20 November 2015
Follow us on Twitter for updates @CoxGreenSchool
What’s On
Page 2
Weekly Calendar
Dates for your Diary
Headteacher and Senior Leader
Surgery
Parent Notice
Page 3
Parent Evening Dates
Attendance
Anti-Bullying Group
Talk to the Right Person
Letters to Look Out For
Page 4
Our Shy Medal Winner Shines
Brightly
Cox Green Mobile Phone Policy
Page 5
Music For Memory at Larchfield
Page 6
CGS Students You Make Us Proud
CGS Students Lend a Helping
Hand
Shakespeare for Schools
Page 7
Pupil Premium Plus
100 Positive Points
Page 8
Word of the Week
Careers Drop In Sessions
Fireworks Night Success
Page 9
Extra Curricular Activities
Page 10
Library News
Page 11
Thank You Stubbings Nursery
Page 12
Cox Green School Sixth Form
Open Evening
Anti-Bullying Week
Monday 16 November to
Friday 20 November
Committed to Achievement
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Weekly Calendar
Monday 16 November to
Friday 20 November
 Anti Bullying Week
Tuesday 17 November
 8.45am - 11.30am - Year 10/11 Catering Trip, East Berks College
Wednesday 18 November
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Thursday 19 November
Friday 20 November to
Internet Safety Day
You’re Hired! - Year 13 “You’re Hired” Interview Practice Morning
6.15pm - 11pm - Year 11 Theatre Trip—Lord of the Flies—Wycombe Swan
3.30pm - 5.30pm - Year 8 Netball vs Newlands @ CGS
3.30pm - 5.30pm - Year 9 Netball League @ Furze Platt
3.30pm - 5.30pm - Year 10 Netball vs Newlands @ CGS
Radio Berkshire Interview
 3.30pm - 6.30pm - Year 13 Oxbridge to Blue Coat School
 6pm - 6.45pm - Year 13 Parent UCAS Finance Meeting - Sixth Form Study Room
 7pm - Winter Charity Concert - Theatre
 2pm - 3pm - Theresa May Visit - Capture Studio
Dates for your Diary 2015
Autumn Term 2015
Term 2
Term 2
Wednesday 25 November
Year 12 South Africa Lecture
Thursday 26 November
Sixth Form Open Evening
Headteacher and Senior Leaders’ Surgery 8-9am and 3:30-4:30pm
Friday 27 November
Year 12 and 13—Studying TV Drama—British Film Institute, London
Monday 30 November
Year 12 Parents Evening 4:30pm—7pm
Wednesday 2 December
School Production Dress Rehearsal 1pm—3pm
Thursday 3 December to
Saturday 5 December
School Production Evening Shows
Thursday 10 December
Year 10/11 Theatre Trip GCSE Drama—Woman in Black
Friday 11 December
Brass Ensemble Rheumatoid Arthritis Carol Concert—All Saints Church
Monday 14 December
Carol Concert—St Mary’s Church, White Waltham 7pm-9pm
Tuesday 15 December
Concert Band at Cox Green Luncheon Club Christmas Carols 13:55pm—15:30pm
Year 9 Theatre Trip—The Firework Maker’s Daughter. 5pm—11pm Royal Opera
House.
Thursday 17 December
Year 7 Theatre Trip— Wonder.land —2pm—6pm London.
Friday 18 December
Christmas Hat or Jumper Day
Term 2 Ends
Monday 21 December 15 Friday 1 January 16
Christmas Holiday
Headteacher’s and Senior Leader’s Surgery
On the 26th November 2015 at 8am – 9am and 3.30pm – 4.30pm the Headteacher and members of the
senior team will be available. If you would like to make an individual appointment to see either the Head
or a member of the senior team please contact the Headteacher’s PA by telephone or email.
Notice to All Parents
Please inform us of ANY changes to your child’s details so that we can keep our records up to date.
Addresses, telephone numbers, emergency contacts, doctors etc.
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Upcoming Parents Evenings for your Diary
Year 12
Year 11
Year 9
Year 10
Monday
30 November 2015
Monday
18 January 2016
Monday
25 January 2016
Monday
8 February 2016
Attendance
Overall Attendance:
96.56%
Persistent Absenteeism:
Best Forms’
Attendance:
Sixth Form
Attendance:
7S1
8A2
9S1
10S2
11B1
Year 12
Year 13
Please be reminded, any medical
appointments must be backed up
with one of the following:
6.92%
98.50%
97.20%
97.20%
98.37%
97.92%
98.07%
96.37%
Mr Shand/Ms Desai
Mr Winchcombe
Mr Hamilton
Ms Allen
Mr Morris
A written note from a parent.
A phone call from a parent.
Anti-Bullying Group
On Wednesdays, at second break, Mr Hawxwell hosts a group to promote
anti-bullying and to help spread a positive message
WEDNESDAY 2nd BREAK
Room 3—Photography and Media
ANTI-BULLYING GROUP
reportbullying@coxgreen.com
EVERY ONE WELCOME!
Worried about something?
What can you do?
TALK TO THE RIGHT PERSON!
Your SAFE Managers are :
Year 7 Ms Keenan
Year 8 Ms Shakeel
Year 9 Ms Hawkins
Year 10 Ms Marouf
Year 11 Mrs Noyes
They can be found in the SAFE Office in Lower School or you can
talk to your tutor or another member of staff.
You don’t have to deal with it alone!
Letters to Look Out for…
You may find the following hiding at the bottom of your son/daughter’s school bag:
 Year 10 and 11 Step Into Hospitality and Catering Tuesday 17th November—Selected Students
 Muddy Welly Run—Sunday 20 December—Selected Students
 Year 9 Theatre Trip—The Firework-Maker’s Daughter—Tuesday 15th December
 Homework Club
 Year 10 and 11 PSHE—Teenage Pregnancy Project—Tuesday 17th November
 Compulsory Phycology Revision Sessions—Selected Students
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Our Shy Medal Winner Shines Brightly
Katie Crowhurst (7A1) is a visually impaired swimmer. She competes
Nationally as an S13 Para Swimmer. She is on British Swimming's
England Talent programme and last year and this year she made the
times for the next programme up— 'World Class Podium Potential' but you have to be 12 to be accepted onto this program.
Last weekend Katie competed in the ASA South East Region Winter
Championships and won 3 Medals. Silver in her 100m Backstroke,
Silver in her 400m Freestyle and Bronze in her 100m Freestyle. The
photo here shows her with her medals at that competition.
Next week Katie is off to London to the OCS Young Sports Person of
the Year Awards Ceremony. Katie has won the Young Sports Star
Award for the South East and has been nominated to win the overall
Young Sports Person of the Year Award. The Ceremony is being
hosted by Gabby Logan and attended by many famous sports stars and personalities.
In December Katie travels to Manchester to compete in the British Swimming Para National
Championships where she hopes to make the times to compete next April in the Paralympic Trials in
Glasgow.
It’s a tough sport and although Katie is chasing the
Tokyo Paralympic dream she may not ever make it
but she will certainly have had some fantastic
opportunities and experiences along the way.
Well done Katie—you are an amazing young woman
and we wish you all the best. We are so proud of
you! We will all be watching out for you at the Young
Sports Person of the Year Award and look forward to
hearing about your future successes!
Cox Green School Policy—Use of Mobile Phones in School
 They will not be used during the whole of the school day,
which includes break and lunchtimes.
 Any phone must be kept in a pupil’s bag and not carried nor
displayed on a pupil’s person.
 All phones must be switched off.
 The school will not accept any liability for misuse or loss of a
mobile phone.
 Any transgression from this policy will result in the mobile phone being confiscated
and retained until collected by the parent.
 If the mobile phone is not collected by a parent, it can be returned to the pupil after
five school days.
 The same policy applies to other items such as I-Pods, MP3 Players and iPhone
watches.
Please note that the use of mobile devices is not permitted on the school site at ANY
time including before and after school.
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Music for Memory at Larchfield Care Home
For the first time today, three ambassadors from Cox Green
School travelled to play their music for the residents at
Larchfield Care Home. Aidan Campbell (year 9, Bassoon),
Hannah Croft (year 10, Keyboard) and Cameron Goff (year 10,
Euphonium) played for the clients in their sitting rooms. The
‘Music for Memory’ project was led by Aidan Campbell when
he applied for funding through Youth Voice Youth Choice. The
successful bid was created to bring music to residents at the Larchfield Care Home and now Cox Green
School music students will be playing selected pieces every month at the care home until July 2016.
The musical trio were met by Matthew Chapman, Activity Coordinator at Larchfields, and he showed
them a film clip about the positive effects that music has on people with Dementia. Matthew was
interested in the resident’s reactions to the music.
Aidan, Hannah and Cameron selected pieces they felt would appeal to their audience, such as ‘Who Will
Buy?’ from ‘Oliver!’, ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ and The Beatles. The reactions to the live music
were summed up by a comment Matthew made. He said “one of the ladies never comes out of her
room, yet within the final chords of Hannah’s first piece on the keyboard, she arrived with her carer to sit
for the rest of the mini concert in the communal lounge.”
“Music reaches individuals in a way like no other art form and can create memories that last a lifetime”
said Matthew. “This is particularly true with dementia sufferers and music can be used as therapy to tap
into these memories. So, we came up with an initiative that encourages young musicians to perform for
residents and evoke memories as well as to promote their well being.”
Hannah remarked about how much she enjoyed the reaction of the residents, and Aidan said he wanted
to go back and play for them again. All of the musicians were vibrant and energised about their
experiences, and it has started this project in a positive and enchanting way.
“Today was fantastic.” said Matthew, “We would like to thank Cox Green School and their students for
enriching our residents’ lives by performing for them monthly. We have individuals that do not usually
socialise come along and enjoy the performances. When the musicians perform we see some subtle
changes in our residents, from the tapping of a toe, to the clapping of hands and some even sing and
dance along to the music. Your students were a credit to the school and their parents and should be
proud of the way they conducted themselves within our home which can be a difficult setting.”
“Our aim is to engage with the wider community and invite them into the home at every opportunity.
This is the first of many future steps to bring positive
learning about contributing to society. There were great
reactions from residents and I believe that it will be the
start of something amazing. We are looking forward to
next month.”
If anyone would like to volunteer at the home or any
local groups would like to engage with the residents
please contact Matt via Email: info@larchfieldcare.com
or Phone: 01628 639428.
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Cox Green Students—You Make Us Proud!
Good evening
I just wanted to inform you of an encounter I had with two of your
pupils this afternoon.
I met my son from school and went to catch the 3.30ish bus from
Wessex Way. I hopped on a very busy bus, with my two children, one in
a pushchair. Two of your pupils were very kind in offering their seats to
me after seeing me with the pushchair.
What a credit to your school they are.
Regards Mrs JB
Cox Green Students lend a Helping Hand
I write to express my gratitude for the actions of some of your
students yesterday in Maidenhead Town Centre.
An elderly lady had tripped and fallen on the pavement
outside the fitness centre (near the Odeon) yesterday at
about 4p.m. A pedestrian assisted her up and to a bench seat
nearby. There were about three or four of your school's
students who were present. One of them rang the ambulance,
giving details about the event etc. They also promised to
hang around until the ambulance arrived.
I would like to express my gratitude for their actions.
They are a credit to your school. At a time when youth portray
a negative image of themselves by their actions, my faith in them is restored.
Thank you. Mrs PK
Shakespeare for Schools, another brilliant performance.
Last night fourteen students from Cox Green School performed their
abridged version of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ as part of the Shakespeare for
Schools festival. After months of rehearsal, the cast performed with
three other schools at Wycombe Town Hall.
The set was minimal, only 14 wooden stools which were used as props
and setting the scenes. All the cast wore black and white, and there
was a souring contemporary feel with music
enhancing the violence such as the lyrics of ‘I
Am An Anarchist’.
Ms Stead commented on the cast, “Tonight was their best performance, they
have been such a good group to work with, they were brilliant.”
Opportunities like this encourage an appreciation of literature whilst learning a
variety of life skills such as communication, social awareness and commitment.
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Pupil Premium Plus —
Additional funding to schools to support your child’s
education
You may be aware that schools receive additional
funding for children in receipt of Free School Meals
which is called Pupil Premium Funding. The
government announced that they are extending this
funding to provide additional funding for schools to
support the education of children who, under certain criteria, ceased to be in care within the UK. This
Pupil Premium Plus funding could be as much as £1900 per year per child.
Unfortunately, schools are not advised on whether or not a child has ever been in care and/or adopted.
Therefore was your child ceased to be looked after:




Through adoption or
Through a Special Guardianship Order (SGO) or
Through a Residence Order (RO) or
Through a Child Arrangements Order (CAO)
As this is a sensitive issue, this notification gives you the opportunity of making the decision of whether
or not you wish to disclose this information to your child’s school. All information received will be treated
in strictest confidence.
If your child fits into any of the above categories and you are willing for this information to be included in
a Department for Education (DfE) School Census return, please contact your child’s school giving the
name and date of birth of the child concerned as soon as possible. You will then be contacted and asked
to provide supporting evidence, i.e. the Adoption (Court) Order. For the school to claim the funding in the
next financial year the information will need to be included in the School Census return that is sent to the
DfE each JANUARY.
Pupil Premium Plus funding is not ring-fenced. It is designed to provide specific educational support to
raise attainment and address the wider needs of children in this vulnerable group. National statistics
show that children in this category may face unique challenges and could struggle to keep up with their
peers. It is vital that they are given the targeted support they need and the education they deserve to
help them get on in life.
There is no obligation for you to share this information with us, but in doing so your child may be given
additional support with their education.
If you are willing to share this information with us please email g.newman@coxgreen.com
100 Positive Points for Archie Farmer!
Well Done to Archie Farmer in Year 8 to be the first student to receive
100 Positive Points.
Here he is with Ms Swidenbank receiving a Leadership Team Reward for
his achievement.
Positive Points are given for good behaviour, good work and anything
else that is deemed worthy of such a reward. These points are collected
over the school year and postcards and phone calls home are sent when various markers have been
reached. After every one hundred points received, the students get a prize from the Leadership Team.
Well done Archie! Keep up the good work!
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Want to earn some Positive Points?
Rapacious
/rəˈpeɪʃəs/
Adj. Inordinately greedy
Synonyms: greedy, marauding, voracious
Antonym: satisfied
Even the all-you-can-eat buffet could not satisfy his rapacious appetite.
1. Use Rapacious in a sentence correctly.
2. Remind your teacher you used the Word of the Week.
3. Receive a stamp!
You can also choose to use the Word of the Week outside of school – for example take a screenshot
using the word correctly in a text message, Facebook message or a tweet!
The screenshot must be emailed to extremereading@coxgreen.com .
Drop in Sessions All Years in the Sixth Form Block
Mondays at 2nd Break and
Wednesday after school 3:15 to 4:15
Cox Green & Wessex Primary - Fireworks - Friday 6th November
Another successful fireworks evening this year for Cox Green and Wessex Primary. Despite
the drizzle many turned out to enjoy what was on offer. The mini fun fair was a success as
always, plenty of light sabres being brandished, the refreshments ladies were run off
their feet selling cakes and hot drinks and a great BBQ managed by Paul Shrimpton
and team - thanks Paul.
As always the Cox Green band with Simon Davie and Sue Beach in
charge treated us to some fantastic tunes. As for the fireworks
need I say more Solihull Fireworks again produced a fantastic
display. Thanks also to Tomato Plant based in Iver for our portaloos.
Of course we cannot run the event without our brilliant team of Cox
Green and Wessex Primary parents and teachers - thanks to you all for
your support - looking forward to next year already.
As you know the PTA run these events to fundraise - each school has an equal
share of the profits from this event and I am pleased to announce this year it
will be approximately £1800 per school - a fantastic amount which will be
put towards the many projects in the pipeline. One being another new mini
bus, we are also continuing to support the anti-bullying campaign, training the
young people on how to help those in need.
Thank you again to all who supported this very successful and enjoyable event.
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Day
Extra Curricular Activities - Break Times
Time
(Activity name, room, teacher, year group)
Monday
Tuesday
Circuit Training | All Years | Mr Morris
7.10-7.55am
S.T.E.M Club for girls, Vex Robotics | T2 | Mr Hamilton | Yr 8, 9 & 10
10.50-11.15am
Wednesday
Fitness Club | All Years | Mr Slade
7.10-7.55am
Thursday
Multi Sports Club | Miss Glover
S.T.E.M Leaders meeting | Science Dept | Ms Saxon
1.25-1.55pm
1.25-1.55pm
Friday
Fitness Club | All Years | Mr Slade
7.10-7.55am
Table Tennis | Mr Slade
1.25-1.55pm
Day
Extra Curricular Clubs and Activities - After School
Time
(Activity name, room, teacher, year group)
Monday
Tuesday
Fitness Club | All Years | Mr Kilminster
3.15-4pm
Hockey Club | All Years | External Coach
3.15-4.30pm
Dance | All Years | Chrissy Sanders
Textiles Club | T4 | Miss Sood | Year 7,8 & 9
3.15-4.30pm
3.30-4.30pm
R.M & Graphics | Mastering your coursework and the exam | T4 | Mr
Hamilton| Year 10 & 11
3.15-4.15pm
GCSE Geography clinic | R6 | Miss Allen, Miss Gray, Miss Hall and Mr
Casserley | Year 10 & 11
Football | Mr Slade, Mr Kilkelly | Year 8 & 9
Girls Football | Miss Glover & External Coach | All Years
3.15-4.15pm
Science revision | Science dept | Year 11
Fitness Club | All Years | Mr Ames
3.15-4pm
Netball | Mrs Benger & Miss Glover | All Years
3.15-4.30pm
Trampolining| All Years | Tony Hull
3.15-4.30pm
Maths Catchup | Maths dept | All Years
R.M & Graphics mastering your coursework and the exam | T4 | Mr
Hamilton| Year 10 & 11
3.30-4.30pm
3.15-4.15pm
Football | Mr Slade & Mr Allen | Year 7 & 10
Running Club | Mr Morris & Mrs McKay | All Years
Badminton | Year 7 & 8
3.15-4.30pm
3.15-4.30pm
3.15-4.15pm
Badminton | Year 9, 10 & 11
4.15-5.15pm
Science S.T.E.M/Crest / S3 / All Years
3.30-4.30pm
Maths Catchup | Maths dept | All Years
3.30-4.30pm
Art/Photography clinic for GCSE and A level students | Ms James
Art Club Gifted & Talented | A2 | Mrs Masih | Year 9 invite only
Friday
3.15-4.30pm
3.30-4.30pm
Maths Catchup | Maths dept | All Years
Thursday
3.15-4.30pm
3.30-4.30pm
Science S.T.E.M/Crest / S3 / All Years
Wednesday
3.15-4.15pm
P.E GCSE Revision | Mr Slade & Mr Kilkelly
Catering | Fill the Knowledge Gaps | T6 | Mrs Crisford | Year 11 – By
invitation
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3.30-4.30pm
3.15-4.45pm
3.15-4.30pm
3.15-4.15pm
Library News
Welcome to Sunday Storytime on 15th November, for
families
Do you have young children, especially those under 5?
Are you looking for something to do at the weekend?
Then please join us every third Sunday of the month for
our FREE Storytime with colouring and word puzzles
afterwards! Our next event is on Sunday 15th
November, from 11.30am to 12noon. Everyone
welcome!
Check out the display in the library to jog your memory!
Nomination slips are available in the Library and with
your English teachers, or you can nominate online at
www.berkshirebookaward.org.uk.
Closing date for nominations is Friday 20th November.
Happy reading and remembering!
‘Games Day’ on Tuesdays
Come along to the Library on Tuesday in Break 1 and
Break 2, and play a selection of board and card games.
Each week we will have a different selection out, so tell
Welcome to Story-and-Rhymetime on Wednesday 18th us your favourites. Everyone welcome!
November
Do you have very young children at home? Then come Word Games Wednesdays
and join us on alternate Wednesday mornings for
Come along to the Library on Wednesday in Break 1 and
stories, songs and rhymes, with colouring afterwards.
Break 2, and enjoy the selection of word games,
Our next event is on Wednesday 18th November from
wordsearches and crosswords. There will be a different
10.30am to 11am. It is FREE and everyone welcome!
selection each week, so come and try. Everyone
welcome!
On Sale in the Library!
Sturdy Wallcharts on many subjects, £1.25 each or 5 for
£5
Activity Pads, Colouring and Sticker Books for young
children, £1.25 each or 5 for £5
English and Maths Workbooks for ages 3 to 11, £1.25
each or 5 for £5
Canvas Book Bags with long handles, £1.95
Sturdy Hessian Bags with strong handles £5
Library Service leather Bookmark, 50p
Library Service ballpoint Pen, 75p
Come and browse, or send some money with your
children.
Introducing a FREE website from home with your
Library Card
Safari Books Online provides on screen access to
hundreds of IT, programming, computer and technology
books. Search or browse books from cover-to-cover. All
you need from home is the library website. Your library
card barcode number is the Username and no PIN is
needed. Or go to any library and search there for free:
www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/libraries_e-library.htm
Reminder of the Library opening times in term time:
Monday – 8.30am to 3.30pm
Tuesday – 8.30am to 5pm
Nominate your Favourite New Book of 2015 for an
Wednesday – 8.30am to 7pm
Award!
Thursday – 8.30am to 5pm
Are you aged 11 to 14?
Friday – 8.30am to 5pm
Have you read a great new book this year and want it to Saturday – 10am to 1.30pm
win a prize?
Sunday – 11am to 2pm
Then nominate your favourite book (or books!) for the
Berkshire Book Award 2016.
You can nominate as many different books as you like.
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A big thank you to Stubbings Nursery for their Christmas cheer as they have very kindly donated a
Christmas tree to Cox Green School this year for the festive celebrations!
We look forward to seeing it decorated in Reception.
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