Ammonite-9th October 2015
Fiona Rogers
A message for Year 11 Students and Families
We are very much looking forward to welcoming you to our Sixth Form Open evening on Wednesday 14th October from 6pm. You are invited to come along to talk with our team leaders, subject specialists and, most importantly, our current Sixth Form students. Hopefully
we will be able to help you to find out how we can help you to get the most out of your time in Post 16 Education.
We think we have much to offer you. Last year, every one of our Year 13 students who wanted to go to University received an offer in sectors including Computing, Sport, Business, Education, Creative Arts, Medicine and many, many more. Over 50% of these students
secured a place one of the country's very best universities, including Oxbridge, Russell Group universities and other institutions that often feature in the UK's 'top 10' universities list. We have also helped a large number of students straight into employment,
training and Higher Apprenticeships. Our results across the board are well above national averages, and we are the best in the local area.
We hope you can join us on Wednesday for what will be an important evening for our students. We look forward to welcoming parents/carers and students to find out more about what we can do to help you to make this important decision for the future. |
Mr White
Early Closure
Our school will close at 1.05pm on Wednesday 14th October to allow us to prepare for our Sixth Form open evening on the same day. School buses will arrive on site to transport students home at this time.| Mr White
Opportunities for Growth and Development
Please take a look below for the extra-curricular opportunities that we have in music and PE. It's not too late to take an interest in a new activity. Students are welcome to begin a new activity at any time.
Click here for MUSIC. https://www.wellswayschool.com/subjects/music/extra-curricular-music/
Click here for PE. https://www.wellswayschool.com/subjects/physical-education/extra-curricular-programme/
Dates for the Diary
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Parent/Carer and Student ‘Need to Know’ Dates |
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Year |
Activity |
Date |
Venue and Start Time |
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All Year Groups |
Open Evening for Prospective Sixth Form Parents and students Parent/Carer Forum (1) Last Day of Term 1 Inset Day First Day of Term 2 PTA Craft & Gift Fair |
14/10
22/10 23/10 2/11 3/11 8/11
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Early Closure 1.05pm; Open Evening starts 6.00pm 6.30pm Sixth Form Common Room Term Ends at 2.45pm
12.00-4pm |
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7 |
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|
8 |
HPV Vaccinations
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21/10 |
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|
9 |
HPV Vaccinations
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21/10 |
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|
10 |
|
|
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|
11 |
|
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12 |
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13 |
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Sixth Form Open Evening
Our Sixth Form Open Evening this year will take place on Wednesday 14th October from 6-8pm, with a keynote speech at 7.30pm.
This fantastic event will take place on next Wednesday, 14th October, from 6 – 8pm around the school. You will have a chance to meet and speak to the teachers and existing Sixth Form students, and find out about how our wonderful Sixth Form works. The new prospectus is available on our website now (together with the Wellsway Pathways Guidance) in the Sixth Form pages as linked below. Hard copies will be available on the night.
Students have also had a chance to sign up for three of twenty-two subject 'taster sessions' on the same afternoon to give them a flavour of what A-Level lessons look and feel like.
A talk will be given by Mrs Arlidge, Mr Bray and the Head Boy and Head Girl at 7.30pm in Mendip Hall that will go into much greater detail about our highly successful Sixth Form.
We greatly look forward to seeing you on the night, and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.
Copies of our new prospectus and pathways guidance can be found below
http://issuu.com/mrbray/docs/0100_wellsway_sixth_prospectus_for_
http://issuu.com/mrbray/docs/wellsway_pathways_brochure_2016 | Mr Bray
Parent Portal (INSIGHT)
This week the Parent Portal was activated for parents/carers of Year 11 students. Letters were sent home with students with login details. Passwords were emailed to parent/carers of Year 11 on Thursday 8th October 2015. This now means we have Years 7, 8 and 11 live. If you are a parent/carer of any of these year groups and have not yet received your login details, are experiencing problems or may have a question or query then please e-mail us at parent...@wellswayschool.com where we will be happy to help. Years 9 and 10 will be rolled out over the next two weeks. | Mrs Pells
PTA Craft Fair
The PTA are looking for good quality toys and books to sell at the Craft Fair on Sunday 8th November. We would also like any second hand school uniform your children have grown out of or no longer need as we will also be holding a second hand uniform sale at the craft fair. | Mrs Rogers
UK Youth Parliament Ballot
Over the past two weeks all Wellsway students have been given the opportunity to vote for what they consider to be the most important issue to be campaigned on by the UK Youth Parliament. Students accessed knowledge about the ten possible issues for discussion and were then invited to express their opinions by completing a ballot paper. The votes have been counted and have now been submitted; on 13th November UKYP will come together in the House of Commons to debate the most important issues as voted for by young people across the country. The top three issues voted for by Wellsway students were as follows:
Living Wage - Everyone should be able to live comfortably. Everyone over the age of 16 should be paid at least the living wage of £7.85 per hour (109 votes)
Mental Health - Services should be improved with young people's help and mental health education should be compulsory and challenge stereotypes (87 votes)
Transport - Make public transport cheaper, better and accessible for all (71 votes) | Mrs Riddoch
Music
The Year 7 Choir got off to a great start; we’re singing a beautiful song by Keane. We’re delighted that so many boys and girls attended - it’s not too late to join, we rehearse every Monday in the Old Gym Studio 1.30-2pm.
We were thrilled to see even more people at our new Whole School Choir on Thursday lunch times, this takes place in the Old Gym Studio. Open to all students in Years 7-13.
It’s been another busy week for our instrumentalists with the addition of a student-led flute group which takes place on Tuesday lunchtimes in the practice rooms, and a student-led clarinet group, which takes place every Wednesday lunch time from 1.30pm in the practice rooms. I am still meeting Year 7s who play instruments for the first time – you’re very welcome to join these groups, or the Wind band (Tuesdays 3.30-4.30pm) or Orchestra (Wednesdays 3.30-4.30pm). Please note that due to the early closure next Wednesday there will be no orchestra.
Finally, the Soul and Funk band has now met for the first time. We are working on ‘Blame it on the Boogie’ by Michael Jackson and an absolute classic, ‘I Wish’ by Stevie Wonder. This band is open to all musicians who are willing to work by ear, and commit to a rehearsal every Thursday after school. We need brass, wind and a rhythm section. If you missed the first rehearsal do come along next week, it’s never too late.
For regular news on what’s happening in the department follow Twitter @wellswaymusic, and for news on activities in lessons follow on Instagram @wellswaymusic | Ms McLean
Army Reserve Engineering Open Evening, Monday 12th October 7.00-8.30pm
Army Reserve Centre Ashmead Road, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1SX
105REME-R...@MOD.UK Tel 07715 023330 www.facebook.com/105BnREME
105 Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineering unit based in Keynsham are holding an informative Open Evening on 12th October, 7.00-8.30pm. They can offer the following trades. You do not need to have these trades to join as they will train you.
1. Vehicle Mechanic
2. Armourer
3. Recovery Mechanic
4. Metal Smith
5. Human Resources
6. Medic
7. Chef
If you are up to trying something different and getting a trade then please pop along to find out more. | Ms Millard
Visit to Working Building Site, Wednesday 21st October
Year 10 and Year 11 of Wellsway School have been invited by Willmott Dixon to visit the working building site of Keynsham Hicks Gate Fire Station where they can observe the building construction and talk to the builders. There are twelve places available on this visit. If you are interested, either e-mail Ms Millard at the Careers Centre – amil...@wellswayschool.com
OR come into the Careers Centre and leave your name and tutor group. All names need to be at the Careers Centre by the end of the day Friday 16th October. | Ms Millard
SPORTS SECTION
Interested in becoming a Sports Ambassador?
If you are interested in becoming a Sports Ambassador, the meeting for coming to find out more information about what the role entails and the application process will take place next Friday 16th October , 2.45-3.30pm in the Sports Centre classroom. In order to apply you MUST attend this meeting. Please note that the criteria for being a Sports Ambassador include:
• A desire to contribute to the future development of PE and Sport at Wellsway
• A commitment to being an outstanding role model for younger children
• A commitment to devoting your own time to support events in the local community during some evenings and weekends
Please let Mrs Riddoch know immediately if you plan to attend the meeting (lrid...@wellswayschool.com) | Mrs Riddoch
Year 10 Sports Performance
If you are in Year 10 and training/competing at a high level (regional and above) in your chosen sport please could you provide Miss Mitchell with details – deadline is next Friday 16th October. | Miss Mitchell
Bethany Taylor - Track Cycling
Well done to Bethany Taylor who competed at the Elite National Track Cycling Championships last weekend. Bethany was competing in the Elite ladies category against Britain's best female cyclists including the 2012/2016 Olympic squad members. At just seventeen years of age she progressed into the major finals in a number of events, finishing in 13th place overall in the scratch race final behind winner and Olympic champion Laura Trott. Beth has had a wonderful 2015 season, consistently one of the top junior riders in Britain. She amassed a national Elite ladies win and a significant number of top ten finishes. As a result of this hard work and determination she has been approached by a number of prominent senior elite teams for 2016. | Mr Evans
U16 Netball v Bristol Grammar School
On Monday evening we made the journey to the centre of Bristol for a challenging fixture against Bristol Grammar School ahead of the District round of the National Schools’ Competition. After a slow start, we were only one goal ahead after the first quarter but as the girls got into their stride and started to work more effectively as a team, we began to extend our lead. With a final score of 32-14, we were pleased to have gained a decisive victory against this strong team. Congratulations to Millie Stanford who was voted Player of the Match by the opposition. | Mrs Riddoch
Year 7 Netball v Ralph Allen
The Year 7 Netball teams travelled to Ralph Allen School on Wednesday this week. The A team, captained by Grace Warren, played fantastically outperforming their opponents in all areas. Final result 27-0. It was a great team effort, with all players working incredibly hard. Players’ Player - Holly Jones. I was very proud of the B team, captained by Anna Roethenbaugh, who also put in a determined performance. For the majority of the girls it was their first game for the school. They showed significant improvement throughout the game but lost 0-7. Players’ Player - Alessia Fragapane. Well done to all the girls who played. | Mrs Burston
U18 Netball v Ralph Allen
On Wednesday evening we travelled to Ralph Allen to play our first senior fixture ahead of the County Round of the National Schools’ Competition at the start of November. Ralph Allen have an exceptionally strong Senior team who have reached the Regional Finals for the past few years so are always a force to be reckoned with. With no reserves in the squad, our seven players put on a very good performance with Emily Martin being particularly effective in the defending circle resulting in their shooters being under huge pressure. We were defeated 17-28 but the strong team performance is looking good for future fixtures. Congratulations to Abby Headford who was voted Player of the Match by the opposition. | Mrs Riddoch
Wellsway 1st XV Rugby v John Cabot Academy
On Wednesday 7th October, the 1st XV rugby team played host to the visiting John Cabot Academy in the second game of the season. A number of players were unavailable for this fixture, so a variety of positional changes were made. Wellsway started very strongly, with continual pressure on the away teams try line. Adam Stokes broke the deadlock, bursting over the try line, with Rhys Gregory adding the conversion. The home team doubled their lead before half time with a try from Josh Graham, again, Rhys adding the further two points. The second half saw John Cabot Academy increase their pressure on Wellsway and the team was rewarded with a try mid-way through the second half. Wellsway responded with a try of their own through George Warren, Rhys Gregory slotting the ball over for the additional two. A break away try from John Cabot Academy saw them narrow the gap, but a penalty from Rhys Gregory three minutes from time, finished the scoring and saw Wellsway run out 24-14 winners. A very strong performance from Ciaran O'Connor saw him pick up the Man of the Match award. Next game: QEH (Natwest Cup) Tuesday 13th October. | Mr Evans
Year 10/Under 15 Rugby
After a slow start to the season, Wellsway Year 10 Rugby Team have made it two wins in two weeks with comprehensive victories against Ralph Allen 31-0 and Chew Valley 44-7. Wellsway have started to play some great, attacking, expansive rugby with Joe Martin, Luke Rolfe, Lewis Hall, Jack Bradley and Henry Stratton starring in the back line, but a brilliant platform has been built by our forwards who have been working tirelessly at set piece and breakdown. In particular Jacob Worral, Keiran Etheridge, Brendan Barry, George Martin and Declan Green have been making big hits in defence and carried the ball forward with power and direction. Really encouraging all round performances and we look forward to St. Gregory’s at home on Thursday. Well done, | Mr Ive
Year 9 Boys' Rugby v Chew Valley
Date: Thursday 8th October 2015
The Wellsway Year 9 Rugby Team welcomed Chew Valley to our school grounds to compete in the Boys’ Annual Derby Match. With a blistering start form the Chew Valley team, Wellsway found themselves working hard and chasing down a 24-0 lead at the half time marker. From the restart Wellsway brought much improved rugby and with excellent handling skills from captain Charlie Cushing and Archie Terry, Tom Campbell found himself in the perfect position to score both a try and in turn, a conversion. Powerhouse tackles from Sam Bishop helped save the Wellsway team on occasion but persistent attack from the Chew Valley side saw their score gradually increase to 43. Two late tries from the Wellsway boys (Zak Greatorex and Charlie Cushing as well a further conversion from Tom Campbell) were unfortunately not enough to break down the deficit. The Wellsway team acquitted themselves with determination and pride throughout this match and it is their sense of hard work and passion that the boys can take most heart from. Congratulations to all boys on the team for their efforts. Final score Chew Valley 43 – 17 Wellsway. | Mr Moffett
U15 Hockey
Well done to the U15 hockey team on Thursday 8th October who played against The Royal High School in Bath. A fantastic game which resulted in a well-deserved 1-1 draw. Player of the match was given to Sophie Martin. Well done girls! | Miss Mitchell
U15 Girls Football National Cup v Bedminster Down
A fantastic game this week from the team against a tough opposition. Alicia Powell stepped into goal after half time and produced some outstanding saves leading to her being awarded player of the match. Equally impressive skills on the pitch came from Fayme Brown and Lauran Kelly. Well done to all. Training every Wednesday - If you are not a part of this team but would still like to join please come along. Everyone welcome! | Miss Mitchell
Sporting Success for Ellie & Georgia Gussey
Well done again to Ellie and Georgia Gussey on their achievements last week in the Bath Schools Biathlon. Georgia (Year 7) finished 2nd and Ellie (Year 10) finished 3rd. This fantastic achievement sees Georgia qualify for the National Schools’ Biathlon Finals to be held at Crystal Palace in March next year and Ellie is waiting to hear on qualification.
Well done girls! We are very proud of you both. | Miss Mitchell
Chandag Road, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1PH
T: 0117 9864751 | F: 0117 9161039