Wyvern Parent Links Christmas 2017

PA R ELiNnkTs Botley Road, Fair Oak, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 7ANTel: 023 8069 2679 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wyverncollege.org.uk - A Spectacular ShowCelebrating 60 years of school shows, Wyvern College students took the audience back to the1950s with their spectacular rendition of Guys and Dolls recently. Featuring a cast of 50, thismusical comedy was the perfect production to showcase the wonderful acting and singingtalents of so many of the College’s youngsters...continued on page 18Christmas Newsletter 2017 Supported by Business4SchoolsInside This Edition:Annual Prize Giving Celebration Bournemouth Synagogue VisitCatering Careers at Eastleigh College UKMT Maths CircleEuropean Day of Languages High Achievers’ Celebratory Lunch Headteacher: Alan Newton

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Headteacher’s briefing:Spirit of the SchoolIn this edition, I thought I would share with We would not use the same languageyou a wonderful piece of history from our today, but the principles are the same andarchives: the manually typewritten notes, with I am delighted to report not only excellenthandwritten annotations, of Wyvern’s first exam results for 2017 but also a continuingHeadteacher’s inaugural Prizegiving & Open commitment to making excellent citizensEvening Speech on 23rd June 1958. of our students, to which the articles in this magazine will bear witness. With respect toThe newly founded Eastleigh County ‘leisure’, our extra-curricular offer continuesSecondary Modern School, as it was then, to be expansive, from award-winning musicalwas coming to the end of its first year, and Mr ensembles to County Cup Winners in sport.Robert Blatchford was reviewing the year’s Again, the articles in this issue are testimony toachievements and welcoming prospective new thriving enrichment activity.admissions. Some of his allusions are nowquaintly dated, for example, his disapproval Finally, Mr Blatchford talked about the ‘spirit’of the Teddy Boys of the time! He also of the school and “an atmosphere of hardappealed to parents to keep their children work and happiness” that drives its success. Inon at school after their 15th birthday, as the other words, the people who create the ethosschool leaving age did not become 16 until of a successful school: its staff and students,the 1970s, and now the ‘participation’ age backed by supportive parents who valueis 18. We can infer that many children left education. That message still obtains in 2018,on their 15th birthday without completing so thank you, parents, for your continuedthe courses they were studying. In the 1960s support and may I wish you Merry ChristmasWyvernian magazines on our website, you will and a Happy New (Diamond Jubilee) Year!see that very few students left with nationallyrecognised qualifications. Compare that Alan Newtonwith the 75% of students who achieved Headteacherhigher grade passes in the new English andMaths GCSEs last summer – an exceptionalachievement!But some fundamentals do not change: in thesame speech, Mr Blatchford talked about theschool’s three main aims:• Schooling – to give children a good education• Social – “to fit them” as a member of society• Leisure – “to develop the full man” (as he put it)

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WyvernGovernors’Review DayEvery Autumn, Wyvern Governors spend a whole day in College, validatinginformation that they receive in governors’ meetings and at College events. This year,16 Governors gathered a wealth of data from first hand observations, discussionswith students and conversations with staff. Governors valued the openness, honestyand approachability of everyone involved.The outcomes of the review were overwhelmingly positive with governors agreeingunequivocally that the ethos of the College is exemplary and is underpinned bysecure and supportive relationships between students and staff.The Year 7 students have settled well and are enjoying lessons, especially practicalones where much of the equipment is new to them. As they move through theCollege, students recognise that they have to take greater responsibility for their ownlearning. Most respond well to this challenge knowing there is always a member ofstaff to turn to for advice. Year 9 students talked positively about the option process.The new grading and assessment system is becoming more familiar and studentsknow where they are in terms of their studies and what they have to do to improve.Senior students talked about the increase in their workload and preparing forexaminations, and expressed considerable gratitude to the staff who they feel aresupporting them admirably. In addition, many students commented on the extra-curricular activities available which support their personal and social development.Several new Governors participated this year and gave their reflections on the day: “My lasting impression is that Wyvern provides a good quality education and a positive experience for students. I have a newfound respect for teachers.” “I was enormously impressed and came away feeling that this is an institution doing well. I am confident about that judgement as I have experience of a wide range of organisations - big and small, public and private, good and bad, doing a wide variety of things.”Where Governors had any concerns these were fed back to the Leadership Team.Governors will receive a written response about further actions planned to support theCollege in its never-ending journey to improve the education of all students.

Annual Prize Giving CelebrationCongratulations to all the prize-winners and Security Correspondent at Thewho attended the College’s annual Independent. She outlined her currentPrizegiving celebration in November. role which involves reporting on terrorism,During a memorable evening, over 100 extremism and crime, and her previousstudents received awards, applauded post where she specialised in foreignby proud family and friends. Books and news and had the opportunity to go ontrophies were presented in various one of the ships that rescued refugeescategories including high performance, and to the desert that many of themexcellent attendance, service to the crossed in Mali. In addition, she gavecollege and to the local community. students some helpful hints and tipsIn his speech, Mr Newton reflected including encouraging them to seek workon the College’s 60th Anniversary and experience opportunities and emphasisingshared extracts from the speech that Mr the importance of networking to makeBlatchford, Wyvern’s first headteacher, useful contacts. She concluded by advisinggave at the very first Prizegiving. The students not to limit themselves, andfundamental aims of the school then were saying that the secret of success is findingto give students a good education, to what you like doing, whatever that is, andprepare them to take their place in society, doing it the best you can.and to prepare them for enjoyment oflife and leisure through extra-curricularactivities, and the principles are the samein the College today. Mr Newton finishedby thanking teachers and support stafffor their contribution to the success of theprize-winners.This year’s special guest was formerWyvern student Lizzie Dearden, whoshared the interesting story of hercareer path to becoming Home Affairs

“The Passenger” Delivers Powerful Road Safety MessageYear 11 were treated to an emotional and thought-provoking presentation by threeactors from the Box Clever Theatre Company recently. The performance of “ThePassenger” dealt with the difficult subject of young driver and young passenger roadtraffic accidents.Using an original witness statement, news reports and statistics, the companyaims to create a highly engaging and interactive performance that resonatesemotionally with young people. As the drama unfolds, the actors and facilitatorpresent them with familiar andrecognisable actions and thestark consequences of decisionsthat they may make, either aspassengers or novice drivers.The performance demonstratedthe impact of serious injury anddeath involving young peopleby following the moving story ofGary and Sammi, two 18 year oldswho were involved in a tragic andavoidable accident. The impacton their young lives and on theirfamilies was beautifully portrayed.Despite the seriousness of thesubject, the ensemble presentedthe piece with great humour, skilland sensitivity.It certainly had a powerful effecton Wyvern students who werewatching, which hopefully will staywith them for a long time to come.

Wyvern’s BFGWyvern’s Bereavement Group has been running sinceMarch 2016. Offering proactive support to students whohave lost close relatives, it was formed by pastoral staffwho appreciated how much bereavement can impact onschool life and learning.There are currently thirty students involved with the groupand students have named it ‘BFG’ – Bereavement FriendlyGroup. The group meets twice a term and delivers variousactivities, guest speakers and discussions to supportstudents in coming to terms with their loss and managing inthe school environment. Activities have included a balloonrelease and making decorative decoupage memory jarsand more recently, the group held a picnic followed byflower memorials placed in the river at Shawford.Feedback has been positive with a student saying, “TheBFG group was here for me when I needed someone totalk to. Meeting with other students going through the samething helps a lot and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one”,and a parent commenting, “I’m so impressed with Wyvern’sbereavement handling, it’s lovely to know my son is beinglooked after at such a difficult time.”

The annual European Day of times tables in Russian, Rounding off this year’s event,Languages is always a highlight Hungarian and Norwegian – Year 8 linguists encouragedon the Wyvern calendar, as amazing how much easier the language learning at a youngstaff and students embrace Norwegian was! In History, age as they successfullythe opportunity to promote some students discovered the prepared and delivered shortlanguage learning and different languages spoken by lessons in German to childrencelebrate linguistic diversity. passengers on the Titanic and at Fair Oak Infant School.This year, internationally others considered how areasthemed assemblies launched of Germany may have beenthe event with a focus on faced with different languageshow different people express following the Versailles Treaty.themselves, ranging from For homework, Year 7 studentsdifferent jobs through to the were challenged to take aartist Toulouse Lautrec, and ‘selfie’ with a label or sign infinally linking to the Women’s a foreign language which willCarpet Cooperative some of our contribute to a display markingstudents visited in Morocco and the global and internationalwhich the College is supporting feel of our everyday world.with a non-uniform day. Elsewhere in College, anIn the classroom, language interesting display in theteachers taught taster sessions Library showcased booksof different languages and with an international themesome students who are including stories set in anative speakers of other different country or written bylanguages taught their peer a foreign author. The schoolgroup – languages covered canteen produced a ‘Best ofthis year included Italian, British’ menu celebrating manySwedish and Turkish. Other dishes that we are famoussubjects participated too for around the world, and thewith Philosophy and Ethics Fountain Café baked a fantasticlooking at languages linked array of international cakes,to religion, whilst English with the proceeds added to theinvestigated the etymology of Macmillan charity collection.our language. Maths studentsgot to grips with code breaking

Supporting Students’ Well-BeingA new type of Parents’ Information Evening was launched at Wyvern in October, withthe aim of providing advice and guidance on a range of topics, and signposting parentsto information on the Wyvern website and external websites. Mrs Firth and Mrs Fosterwelcomed 60 parents from Years 7-9 and covered topics including digital safeguardingand e-safety, rules/boundaries for teenage children, sex, drugs and alcohol, andmanaging anxiety.Those who attended the event provided some very positive feedback:‘All aspects were useful, covering main concerns with practical advice and where to lookfor more information.’‘It’s comforting to know that the school are encouraging internet safety and all worktogether.’‘It’s useful to know about websites that can help to make internet use safe and to knowthe best ways of communicating with a teenager.’‘Information on positive parenting was useful – glad to hear that grumpiness is normal!’There are plans to offer another information evening later in the academic year.Following on from this event, all parents were advised about the launch of the‘Supporting student well-being’ section on the College website (found under the Parenttab) which contains various leaflets for parents offering help and advice on a rangeof topics. The College also subscribes to regular NSPCC newsletters, so any items ofinterest from these will also be shared with parents via this new section on the website.

Students’ Artwork Features in Hampshire Interfaith Calendar Two Wyvern students are delighted that their artwork has been chosen to feature in the 2018 Hampshire Interfaith Calendar. Mia Groom and Lavinia Jeffery completed a homelearning project at the end of Year 7 to show a concept that had been studiedin Religious and Personal Studies in art form. Their entries were sent off andwere selected to appear in the calendar alongside entries from other schoolsacross Hampshire. A special calendar launch event was held at Ashburton Hall in Winchester recently, where thegirls were presented with vouchers and copies of the finished calendar.Miss Stangroom, Acting RPS CurriculumLeader, said, “We are incredibly proud of the students’ achievements and are thrilled that their hard work and talent has been recognized by a wider audience.” The Hampshire Interfaith Calendar costs £5 plus postage and packing and can be purchased at https:// www.hants.gov.uk/shop/product. php?productid=50712.

FormerWyvernStudentBecomesGirlguidingAdvocateIsabelle Millen, a former Wyvern student who featured in Community Links Spring2017 and is now at Barton Peveril College, has recently been chosen to representGirlguiding at the highest level by becoming an Advocate for the movement.Eighty young women applied for nine places as Advocates this year, and followinga Skype interview, Isabelle was selected for the role which involves speaking onbehalf of the organisation to policymakers, the media and the wider community. Reflecting on her achievement, Isabelle said,Quob Stables Equestrian Centre “I’ve already had incredibleLearn to ride or improve your opportunities in 11 years ofskills in a friendly, professional Guiding such as attending theriding school with outstanding World Scout Jamboree in Finland,facilities set in beautiful leading a Brownie pack visit tocountryside in Durley. Paris and visiting Switzerland. Being an Advocate means I’ll• Pony parties be campaigning and speaking• Own a Pony Days and Activity Days up for girls and young people• Evening Lessons on important issues such as• Hacks sexual harassment and gender• Ladies Mornings stereotyping.”• BHS Training• Catering for all ages and abilities Isabelle is currently taking A levels in English Language/Literature, Telephone: 02380 694657 Politics and History. Her aim is to Email: [email protected] take a degree in Politics or English and go on to work in education Website: www. quobstables.com or politics and we wish her every success in the future.

REFLECTIONS ON BOURNEMOUTH SYNAGOGUE VISITIn November, 38 students taking GCSE RE visited the Bournemouth OrthodoxSynagogue.Three students, Bethany Barker, Lauren Rowe and Poppy White have written theirreflections on the trip:“On Monday 13th November, Years 9/10/11 students had the privilege of visiting theBournemouth Orthodox Synagogue. We were met by the local Rabbi, Barry Sklan,who spent the morning enlightening us about different concepts in Judaism and thefeatures of the Synagogue. He explained the rules of kosher foods and in addition,how modern society caters to the Jewish faith. The Rabbi taught us about the servicesand the community in the Synagogue. Moreover, he showed us the Torah scrolls andother aspects of Jewish worship such as the Ner Tamid and the Ark.During the day, he also gave us some thoughtful quotes including, ‘Peace only comeswith respect’, ‘Religions are just different paths to God’, and ‘It’s our responsibility toensure we remember our past mistakes and don’t allow them to happen again’.This trip was informative and helped to build on our learning from class so we arevery grateful to Barry for welcoming us to the Synagogue.”

International School AwardWyvern is delighted to have achieved reaccreditation of its International School Award. Thisprestigious award issued by the British Council recognizes the work that schools do to bringan international dimension to the curriculum so that young people can gain the culturalunderstanding and skills they need for life in today’s world.The College undertakes a range of international work including foreign language learningwith a strong element of intercultural understanding, a long-standing exchange programmelinking with schools in France and Germany and a curriculum link with a school in Mexico,the promotion of citizenship and celebration of cultural diversity, and the European Day ofLanguages project which extends language learning to other areas of the curriculum.The assessor recognised that these initiatives had impacted on students by increasing theirknowledge of other countries, cultures and issues, developing citizenship skills, and skillsnecessary for further education and the world of work. In addition, there are benefits ofinternational work for teachers’ professional development in terms of curriculum planningskills to incorporate an international dimension.Well done to everyone who contributed to our international dimension and the continuationof this award! Y9 High Achievers Enjoy Celebration Lunch Every year, the College formally recognises those Year 9 students who reached the highest levels at the end of Key Stage 3 in Year 8. Students are invited to a celebratory lunch and are awarded a badge to mark their success.Student reporter, Amelia MacLennan attended this year’s event: “On Wednesday 18 October, 20 students were invited to a celebration because they achieved the top 10% of attainment out of the whole year group in their final results at end of KS3. After feasting on a delicious lunch of an impressive array ofsandwiches, fruit and cake, the students were given a congratulatory speech presented by Mr Newton. In his speech, he expressed to the children how life is a journey not a destination and how they will be competing for the rest of their lives. He encouraged them to keep working hard and not to become complacent or arrogant. Many other valuable comments were put across to the children attending, which hopefully they will keep in mind for many successful years to come.”

In October half-term, 39 Lagoon, where studentsstudents and 4 staff set off could apply mineral richon a Geography and Science clays to their skin!Fieldtrip to Iceland. Staying One of the highlights ofin Reykjavik, students the trip was undoubtedlyexperienced some stunning experiencing the Northernsights and were fortunate Lights. The group had beento witness the amazing obsessively checking onlinespectacle of the Northern apps for chances of seeingLights. them but clouds thwartedDramatic waterfalls were attempts on the first twoa key feature of the trip nights. On the final night,and students were able to the group ventured awaywalk behind Seljalandsfoss from the city lights as theWaterfall and then took a ‘Northern Lights Checker’trek up the side of the even predicted a high chance of abigger Skogafoss Waterfall, sighting. Driving further intoboth of which offered the barren landscape of lavasuperb photo opportunities. fields, the coach pulled overAfter viewing the enormous miles from anywhere. Thewaves at Black Beach, clouds moved to reveal hugewhich has featured in flashes of green and purpleGame of Thrones, students and the Lights danced aboveparticipated in a three-hour the group who were in aweglacier walk in Southern at the wonder of nature. InIceland. the words of Tom South, YearOn day three, the Golden 11, “Flippertyjibberts MrsCircle Tour in South Goss, we’ve just seen theIceland focussed on Northern Lights – WOW!”.some remarkable natural It was a moment that staffwonders, including a visit and students will rememberto Pingvellier, the mid- forever.Atlantic ridge formed Mrs Goss, Geographyby plate movement, the Curriculum Leader, said, “Itfamous Geysir hot spring, was a pleasure to accompanyand Gullfoss, another huge the students on this trip.waterfall. The evening They were exceptionallyfeatured a moonlit trip to well behaved and we madethe natural geothermally some fantastic memories!”heated waters of the Blue

Year 7 Explore Iconic Globe Theatre A group of Year 7 students enjoyed a trip to the Globe Theatre earlier this term. The coach journey into the capital provided agreat opportunity to spot some famous London landmarks including Westminster, the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s Cathedral. Students then walked across the Millennium Bridge to marvel at the art works in Tate Modern, where the newest installation in the Turbine Hall was an interactive exhibition, featuring large and double swings! After lunch on the Southbank, students experienced a fascinating tour of the Globe Theatre where actors were already on stage, warming up for their afternoon rehearsal and performance. Following this, the group participated in an acting workshop in the Globe’s rehearsal rooms,exploring the soundscapes and characters featured in The Tempest– the play which all Year 7 will study after Christmas in English and Drama. All in all a fantastic day, which helped to set the scene for their classroom studies in the Spring Term.

Drama Students Experience All Aspects of TheatreLondon’s Theatreland provided the destination for40 Year 10 and 11 Wyvern GCSE Drama students recently. Starting at the NationalTheatre with a tour of the new ‘Sherling Backstage Walkway’, students had thechance to see into some of the busy production workshops. Scenic artists werepainting an enormous backdrop for a forthcoming production and with carpenters,painters, stage hands and prop makers going about their daily work, it was afascinating insight into elements of theatre that may not normally be appreciated,and will certainly support students with aspects of their written exam.The group then walked across Waterloo Bridge and explored Covent Garden, wherethere were some great street entertainers performing along with the bonus of theRAF Band, commemorating London Poppy Day.Then it was along to the Fortune Theatre for a gripping performance of The Womanin Black. Students jumped, screamed and became thoroughly engaged in the storyof a lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and hisfamily by the spectre of a Woman in Black. Renowned for its ingenious lightingand sound and featuring a very basic set and just two actors, this production was amasterclass in creating atmosphere and suspense and was an ideal show to supportstudents in the ‘Live Theatre’ section of their exam.Feedback from students was certainly positive with Christian Wood saying, “A spine-chilling, haunting and riveting experience. A highly educational day out andgreat to see behind the scenes of the National Theatre” and Rebekah Wallcommenting, “It was a show different from any other I have seen.The mix of comedy, tension and jump scares certainlymade it a show to remember!”

- A Spectacular Show It tells the story of gambler, Nathan Detroit, as he tries to find the money to set up the biggest card game in the city. Meanwhile, his long- suffering girlfriend Adelaide laments that they have been engaged for fourteen years. Nathan turns to fellow gambler Sky Masterson for the cash to fund the game, but Sky ends up chasing and falling in love with straight- laced missionary Miss Sarah Brown.

The four lead roles were A fantastic supporting carried out faultlessly by aperformed superbly by cast of gamblers, Hot Box huge backstage crew.Eric Smith (Sky), Kia-May dancers and customers, Director, Liz Segal, said, “ItWatson (Sarah), Ewan Judd and the Mission Band has been a huge pleasure(Nathan) and Lucy Bricknell executed some brilliant working alongside(Adelaide). However, dance routines, with the students and staff to bringthis was also a show with stage full of perfectly this show to the Wyvernsome prominent cameo choreographed youngsters. stage. So many studentsparts and memorable The colourful set have taken the opportunityperformances were given transported the audience to get involved, with someby Christian Wood, Joe through the story from making their Wyvern stageNancholas, Will Osmond, Broadway, to the Hot debuts. It’s undoubtedlyXander Mason, Hannah Box Club, to the Save a continued our traditionDevenish, Rebekah Soul Mission, and even to of delivering a fabulousHanslip, Emily Howe, Chad Havana! Multiple costume annual show!”Overy, and Toby O’Connor. and set changes were

Professional Dancers Inspire Wyvern StudentsTwenty GCSE Dance students recently enjoyed a visit to the MayflowerTheatre to witness the work of renowned choreographer Christopher Bruceand the Rambert Dance Company. This was a fantastic opportunity forstudents to appreciate Rambert’s trademark quality, combining world-classdancing and live music to thrilling effect.The triple bill included A Linha Curva, Rambert’s samba-flavoured partypiece, which is featured in the current GCSE Dance Anthology, plus aheart-breaking love story Transfigured Night, and Christopher Bruce’s GhostDances which has returned to the UK stage for the first time in 14 years.Overall, it was a great evening and provided fantastic inspiration for studentswho have been learning about A Linha Curva in lessons. It has certainlyenhanced their practical work back in the dance studio and enthusiasmfor the topic in the classroom. All the students benefitted from observingexcellent performance skills displayed by professional dancers, which willundoubtedly spur them on to develop and improve their own skills.

DiscoveringCatering Careers atEastleigh CollegeA group of Wyvern Year 10 students hadan interesting visit to Eastleigh Collegerecently, where they learnt about the nextsteps after Year 11 in relation to cateringcourses including management andevents planning.Students participated in a catering lessonwith Greg (Head Catering Chef), wherethey made a mille-feuille, learning someintricate knife skills to prepare fruitand new piping skills to decorate theirdessert.They then enjoyed a fabulous two coursemeal in the East Avenue Restaurant thatwas prepared and served by currentstudents on the course (some ex-Wyvernstudents too!). Marinated chickenskewers with a lime dressing, roastedbeets served with goats’ cheese, andpork stroganoff served with wild ricewere just a few of the delicious choices onoffer. The presentation and combinationof flavours used in all the dishes weresuperb.One student commented, “It was a greatexperience working with Greg in thekitchen, seeing the professional workingkitchen and having an amazing meal inthe restaurant. It’s inspired me to cookwith so many more flavours!”Students all made a fantastic mille-feuille,and came away with some new skills touse in their lessons back at school andlearnt about the possibilities open to thempost-16.

Students Step up to they had been away from home. During the Activities Challenge evenings, they played card games, made Pom Poms and explored the surrounding area inEarly in the Autumn term, a group of 19 a night time walk. They all had a thoroughlystudents attended a residential camping trip to enjoyable time and took part fully in all theDorset organised through Harbour Challenge. activities.They camped for three nights in canvas belltents at Buddens Scout Camp site and enjoyed To celebrate the students’ successes, they werethree consecutive days of activities including invited to a follow-up event with their parentsmountain biking, climbing, fire building and in October at Wyvern where they receivedwater sports such as raft building, kayaking, certificates from Mr Newton, and had aand stand-up boarding. The facilities were chance to share photos from the trip.basic, and the weather changeable, includingbeing under canvas while Storm Aileen blewthrough on the final night!All the students stepped up to the challengesinvolved with the trip, ranging from tryingcompletely new outdoor activities toovercoming a fear of water. Students alsodeveloped skills in encouraging their peers,waiting for those students not as able, beingresilient in some testing conditions and seekingthe support of staff when they were fearful.Many of the students had no prior experienceof camping and for some it was the first timeWyvern Library NewsWyvern College is very lucky to have a fantastic, purpose-built library for studentsand there are regularly between 50 – 100+ students using the Library from 8.00amto the end of the day at 4.00pm, with the picture showing a typical busy lunchtime.Students use the light and modern space to do their homework, read books,newspapers and magazines or use the computers for research. Chess is very popular,with 11 chess boards to cater for demand! Students now have the opportunity to read ebooks provided by Wheelers on an electronic device: phone, tablet or pc. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no overdue notices as the ebooks are returned automatically at the end of the loan period. There is a link on Wyvern’s intranet page. Students can use their wyvern username and password to access the ebooks. The app can be downloaded onto any android or tablet – search for ‘eplatform’ by Wheelers.

Wyvern Book ClubMaster Georgie by Beryl BainbridgeWyvern Book Group have just read Master Georgie for theirNovember book. A short, historical novel set in the 1850s, it isabout the affluent Hardy family, particularly the much-lovedMaster Georgie and his circle of friends and servants, leadingup to, and then fighting in, the Crimean War.Master Georgie is a surgeon and photographer who decides to leave his comfortablelife and work as a doctor in the Crimea and his family, friends and servants all gotoo. Initially it is like a holiday but then the more serious and real war is revealed.Each chapter is narrated by a different character recounting the events leading up toone of Georgie’s photographs which gives the reader different perspectives.The photographs play an important part in the telling of the story. If you don’t knowmuch about the Crimean War, it also provides a fascinating insight as the writer wasa meticulous researcher.Wyvern Book Club meet once or twice each half term. If you would like to join ourfriendly group, please contact J. Charles email [email protected] Year 7 Recommended Books Letters from the Lighthouse by Emma Carroll This is a charming book set in 1941 during WW2. It tells the story of illegal Jewish immigrants who are smuggled into Britain to escape the Nazi regime, through the eyes of Olive a Londoner evacuated to Devon. Emma Carroll is a wonderful writer who uses WW2 refugees to gain empathy for today’s immigrants who are fleeing from dangerous and repressive regimes. PAX by Sara Pennypacker Pax and Peter are inseparable, but when Peter’s father joins the army, he forces Peter to abandon his much loved fox in the woods. It’s sneakily done and Peter regrets it. Peter knows that Pax will struggle to survive as he has been hand raised by Peter. He resolves to leave and find Pax again. Meanwhile, Pax is in the woods learning how to survive and act like a real fox. As the war gets closer and closer to home, the reality of what war is like becomes clear.

UKMT Maths CircleIn October, four Year 10 Wyvern students were invited tojoin the UK Mathematics Trust Maths Circle event atSt Swithun’s School. This two-day event consistedof a series of lectures on a variety of maths topics, withlots of opportunities for the students to get involved inactivities that enrich the school curriculum.A session on prime numbers run by Vicky Neale from Oxford University complementedthe GCSE curriculum while taking advantage of the opportunity to go into this keytopic in greater depth. Another popular session investigated the maths of the Battleof Trafalgar, covering everything from the date to the damage caused by the impact ofa cannonball on a wooden ship, with ancient coins available as prizes. Students alsolearnt about infinity which certainly got the brains in the room whirring before 10.00am!All students spoke very highly of the event, with one student saying, “I really enjoyedthe UKMT Maths Circle and learnt about new and interesting aspects of mathematicsthat we otherwise would not have touched on in the regular curriculum. Having highlevel academics discussing topics such as infinity and ratios was fascinating. It really didspark my interest in areas of maths I wasn’t previously aware of.”

Spotlight on Science ClubYoung scientists at Wyvern have afabulous opportunity to experiment withScience outside of the classroom in theweekly Science Club organised by theScience Technicians.Running for an hour after school, theClub is open to Year 7 and 8 studentsirrespective of ability. There are 20places available and students can joinat any time during the school year,although sometimes there is a waitinglist.The aim of the club is to make Sciencefun for all and it’s really hands-on!The Technicians are supported by theScience Prefects and members of theclub can request Science things theyhave seen or read about and the teamwill look at doing them safely in theclassroom. Some sessions have alsobeen delivered by Science Ambassadorsfrom The Winchester Science Centre.Activities are many and varied buthave included making variations ofslime (glitter, fluffy, glow in the darkand magnetic!), elephant’s toothpaste,lava lamps, flame tests, cartesiandivers, fidget spinners, crystals,Christmas whodunit, fire extinguishers,spectroscopes, periscopes, andexploding canisters!Feedback from students is great withthem describing the club as ‘awesome’,‘brilliant’ and one saying ‘I want to dothis every year until I leave Wyvern’!

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Here we are already in our run-up to Christmas forYear 11 News the final time as Wyvern College students. The trial exams are almost upon us and by the time you read this, they will be over! We are looking forward to our last Christmas lunch together. I found myself readingthe December newsletter I wrote when the students were in Year 7, and wonderedwhere the time has gone since we went to Fairthorne Manor and were planning aYear 7 disco to raise money for St Trizah’s Orphanage!We have launched our Wave 105 Mission Christmas appeal across the College andI am hopeful that this will be a huge success again. Around twelve Year 11s havecommitted to baking, selling, coordinating and overseeing the fundraising eventswe have planned and they’re a credit to our College. The Baker’s Dozen in NetleyAbbey has also kindly agreed to regularly contribute cakes that our students can sell– many thanks to them for supporting our initiative! Thanks also to a number of Year10 students who have volunteered to support the fundraising whilst Year 11 are sittingtheir trial examinations.Recently, I was fortunate to spend a day observing the year group in various lessons(pictured) which was an absolute pleasure! Seeing the students so engaged andfocussed across the College was wonderful. What was most evident was therespectful and professional relationships between my colleagues and my year group;there was questioning (from both), trust, collaboration and humour – an excellent wayto spend a day! This snapshot offers an indication of how hard Year 11 generally areworking and how well the vast majority of our senior students deserve to do. I hopethat the trials will be a success and a positive learning curve and that Year 11 canlook forward to a Merry Christmas. Donna Howard , Year 11 Pastoral Leader

Praise for Year 10 StudentsAnother year; another year group! Having represented Great Britain at the World Kungenjoyed a temporary spell with Year 8, Fu Championships, literally waving the flagI am delighted to be working with the for his country at the opening ceremony! Hecurrent Year 10. What a delightful group of even won medals in this exalted company: astudents! bronze in Taijiquan and a silver in Southern Broadsword. A phenomenal effort, Ping:From our first assembly in September, well done! Fingers crossed that some ofI have tried to establish and cultivate a our other successful school players canyear group identity. The ‘Terrific Tens’ emulate Ping’s achievements. Perhaps evenmight soon emerge, or the ‘Titans of our new Show Jumping Team, who hope toTen,’ but, at present, I am happy to lead represent Wyvern for the first time in nearlythe ‘Try-again Tens.’ This lovely cohort of forty years!youngsters will inevitably make mistakes.If they dust themselves down, learn from As ever, my thanks to the staff, thetheir errors, and make renewed progress, tutors and, especially to Mrs Taylor, ourthen they will only ever receive support and Pastoral Assistant, who all ensure the bestencouragement from me. opportunities and progress for each and every pupil in Year 10. Here’s hoping for aOne group of students that is particularly terrific or titanic 2018!deserving of praise is the Year 10 PeerSupporter Group. These generous and Steve Lines,caring souls offer advice and comfort to Year 10 Pastoral Leaderother youngsters, who might be feelinglonely or distracted or uncomfortable. Theirsupport is offered in Year 7 tutor time andagain, voluntarily, at lunchtimes, providingcounsel and confidence boosts to studentswho might be feeling low or vulnerable.One student who has achievedextraordinary feats is Ping Hao Ng. Ping

Year 9 Make a Great Start to GCSE StudiesYear 9 have made a great start to their GCSE courses and I have heard fromdepartments across the College about how seriously the vast majority have taken thisyear so far. In October it was a real privilege to go into Year 9 lessons for the day tomonitor how they were doing and I saw fantastic attitudes, work ethics and outcomes.However, it made me realise how hard we expect our students to work – five full hoursof learning a day is no mean feat, if they are putting their all in! I saw lots of hardworking, polite, positive members of Wyvern’s community working on exciting andchallenging curriculums, so well done Year 9!Year 9 were also part of the regional Shakespeare Festival earlier this term and MrsSegal was so pleased with their performances and team spirit. We have also givenout lots of badges in assemblies for Reading and Numeracy Ambassadors and Year9 have been fantastic helping so many of our younger students in these key areasduring tutor time.For our charity endeavours this year, we are supporting the Southampton HospitalCharity. When I launched this in assembly and asked students if they had eitherbeen treated or were born in any of the Southampton Hospitals, the vast majority puttheir hands up so it’s great to be supporting a local charity. We will specifically donateour money to the Children’s wards and the charity’s aim is to give those extras thatthe NHS don’t provide. This charity is close to my heart as my son was treated inPrincess Anne Hospital’s neonatal ward. They do amazing work and the support wereceived wouldn’t have been there without donations. We hope to raise as much aswe can so this work can continue. Zoe Weaver, Year 9 Pastoral Leader

A Rewarding & Interesting Term for Year 8As we say goodbye to a rewarding andinteresting term, it gives me great pleasureto thank Year 8 for their efforts. Theirattendance is currently an impressive 95%,while the most recent data suggests thatthe year group as a whole are working veryhard in lessons.The year group have also enjoyed activitiesoutside of the classroom. In November 80Year 8 students visited the Black CountryMusuem on a History trip, which offered alovely opportunity for them to experiencea way of life very different to modernstandards.Also in November, 19 students took part ina Peer Ambassador Training Programme(pictured). Set over two days, we receivedsome very positive feedback from Sophie,the Health Service professional whohelped deliver the programme, “Whata lovely bunch of students they were! Sowell-mannered and keen to learn. I’mreally looking forward to hearing aboutthe activities that they deliver to their yeargroup, particularly the rap!”A festive Christmas Lunch was enjoyed by 210 Year 8 students and the tutor team –another wonderful occasion and the abundance of fairy lights made the midday eventeven more Christmassy! Thanks to all those who helped make this meal such a success.It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Mrs Finch, our Pastoral Assistant, whohas been appointed to a similar role closer to home at Brookfield School. It has been apleasure working with Nina and I know that she has worked exceptionally hard to helpstudents settle and overcome their difficulties moving to “the big school”. We wish her thevery best and I am sure she will keep in touch.Finally, I would like to wish all Year 8s and their families a prosperous, productive andhealthy 2018. With options a few months away, I am confident that as a collective theyear group will continue to go from strength to strength. Clive Gamble , Year 8 Pastoral Leader

Year 7 Activity Day -The Last Part of Transition to WyvernEvery September, Year 7 have an Activity As well as the activities in the Sports Hall,Day to follow-up the work done through students worked together in tutor groupstransition visits, the Induction Days in July, to create time capsules, capturing theirthe Transition Camp run at the start of memories of their first weeks at Wyvern andSeptember, and the programme on the a snapshot of their lives in 2017. Workingfirst day of school. together to produce these capsules was a key part of the team-building objectiveThis year, students were encouraged to of the day. The capsules of memories,wear their colours with pride, coming in pictures and notes will be stored and itto school in red, blue, green or yellow will be fascinating to open them in 2022,depending on their house. During the just before the students leave, to see howday, they participated in team-building things have changed.activities, which will later form part of theAdventure Based Learning programme Judging by the smiles and comments, thewhich takes place in morning registrations. day was enjoyed by everyone and seemedThis gives tutor groups the opportunity to really worthwhile.form strong bonds of friendship, groupidentity and teamwork. Mr McCracken Chris Street,and Mr Kerslake ran a programme of Year 7 Pastoral Leaderactivities to promote leadership andco-operation, where students werechallenged to complete tasks which couldonly be successfully achieved throughteamwork.

Fitness TimetableMonday Pump It! - Geoff 6.00pm-6.55pm Non members £5 Pilates Beginners - Colleen 6.30pm-7.20pm Payable course Non members £5 Step It Up - Sammi 7.05pm-8.00pm Non members £5 Spinning - Sammi 8.10pm-8.55pmTuesday Teen Gym 3.00pm-4.30pm £3 per session Box Fit - Geoff 6.00pm-6.55pm Non members £5 Pilates Improvers - Colleen 6.10pm-7.00pm Payable course Pilates Advanced - Colleen 7.10pm-8.00pm Payable course LBT starts 14 Nov 17 7.00pm-7.50pm Non members £5 Kettlercise - Sammi 8.05pm-8.55pm Non members £5Wednesday Circuits - Geoff 6.00pm-6.55pm Non members £5 Ultimate Intervals & Abs-Sammi 7.05pm-7.55pm Non members £5 Spinning Intervals & Abs -Sammi 7.05pm-7.55pm Non members £5 Pilates (Mixed Ability) - Sammi 8.05pm-9.00pm Non members £5Thursday Gym Crossfit - Colleen 7.10am-7.45am Non members £5 3.00pm-4.30pm £3 per child Teen Gym 6.00pm-6.55pm Non members £5 Total Tone - Sammi 6.30pm-8.00pm £3 per child 6.30pm-7.20pm Payable course Parent and Teen Gym 7.30pm-8.15pm Payable course Hatha Yoga Intermediate - Colleen Hatha Yoga Beg - ColleenFriday Shredded - Sammi 6.00pm-6.50pm Non members £5 Parent and Teen Gym 6.30pm-8.00pm £3 per childSaturday Spinning - Sammi 8.30am-9.15am Non members £5 Body Blitz - Geoff 9.30am-10.25am Non members £5 LBT - Sammi 10.30am-11.25am Non members £5 11.00am-12.30pm £3 per child Parent and Teen GymSunday Pilates (mixed ability) - Colleen 10.00am-10.55am Non members £5 Parent and Teen Gym 11.00am-12.30pm £3 per child Free to members Members £2 10 Session passes available Prepaid enrolment requiredClasses: If less than 3 people attend a class the instructor may cancel the class on that day. Management reserve theright to cancel or reduce the number of classes on offer at any time at short notice. There are no refunds available formembers as a consequence of any changes made to the class timetable. Courses: Please note that Pilates and Yogacourses except Sunday Pilates must be booked at the Community Enterprise Office 023 8069 2678. Spin, Spin Intervalsclasses must be pre-booked via the Fitness Team on 023 8060 3229. Places are issued on a first come first served ba-sis. Price: Selected classes available free to Monthly and Annual Sport and Fitness Members. Non members pricesvary depending on class type and time.

Wyvern Tennis Club Welcomes Former British Number 1In October, members of Wyvern Tennis Club Wimbledon Vets and currently commentateswere delighted to be joined on court by Chris for Euro Sport Tennis and travels the worldWilkinson, former British Number 1. Chris coaching Great Britain National Juniors.spent the evening at the Club, looking at one Nick Mort, Wyvern Tennis Club Coach,of the junior players to help with a training commented, “This was a very successfulplan, and then joining the adult session where event with our club members who reallyhe shared some of his coaching expertise. appreciated the time Chris spent with them. It was great to work with him again, particularlyDuring his professional tennis career, Chris as his parents still help with our Saturdayplayed at all the major tournaments and Morning Junior Club.”represented Great Britain in the Davis Cup,European Cup and the 1992 Barcelona Wyvern Tennis Club offers a fun and sociableOlympic Games, and became British environment in which people can progressNumber 1 in 1993. Although retiring from their game and benefit from the all-roundthe main tour in 1999, he continued to play exercise that tennis provides. To find outcompetitively and in 2005 was the British more, contact the Club on 023 8069 2678 orand World over 35 champion. He still plays email [email protected].

Dates for Your DiarySpring Term 2018First Half-TermDate EventThurs 04 Jan College re-opens after Christmas HolidayMon 08 Jan – Fri 26 Jan Year 8 College ExamsTues 09 Jan Year 9 Parents’ EveningTues 23 Jan Year 7 Parents’ EveningMon 29 Jan – Fri 09 Feb Year 9 College ExamsMon 05 Feb – Fri 09 Feb Year 7 College ExamsTues 06 Feb Year 11 Parents’ EveningWeds 07 Feb Pyramid Vocal FestivalMon 12 Feb – Fri 16 Feb Half-term HolidaySecond Half-TermDate EventMon 19 Feb – Fri 02 March Year 7 College ExamsMon 05 March – Fri 09 March Year 11 Additional Trial Exams in English and MathsTues 06 March Year 8 Parents’ EveningMon 19 March – Weds 28 March Year 10 College ExamsTues 20 March Senior Prefects’ Speeches – 9.50am start for Years 7, 8, 9 and 11Tues 27 March Rock Academy ConcertWeds 28 March College closes for Easter Break at 2.55pm Summer Term starts on Mon 16 AprilINSET Days 2018Thurs 29 March 2018Fri 29 June 2018Mon 23 July 2018Contacting the College Keeping in Touch with College EventsBy phone – 02380 692679 Visit our website –By email – [email protected]. www.wyvern.hants.sch.ukOr contact Pastoral and Curriculum Like us on Facebook –Leaders directly via the ‘Contact and www.facebook.co.uk/WyvernCollegePayments’ page on the website at Follow us on Twitter – @WyvernCollegewww.wyvern.hants.sch.uk.

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Bringing schools bus nesscloser to local schoolsbusinesses To advertise in this newsletter please call us on 02392 445227 or [email protected] Botley Road Fair Oak Eastleigh Hampshire SO50 7AN Tel: 023 8069 2679 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wyverncollege.org.uk