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A timely reminder!

In this weeks assembly, Year 11 were surprised to learn how much teaching time remained for them to absorb new information and for them to complete their examination syllabi.  The shocking truth is that when you take out trial examinations, holidays and intensive revision periods, Year 11, 12 and 13 pupils have barely 16 weeks left in which to complete their courses.  The words of one Year 12 student who left Verulam last year and is currently studying at another school to Mr Toley should prove ample warning to all students; he said “I wish I’d listened last year!”  

The message is clear.  Pupils who wish to reach their target grades and achieve the goal of excellence must increase their efforts in both class and homework.

Now is the time for change.

I was also delighted to see some excellent learning this week from Year 7 pupils in Miss Creighton’s class, who were racing their completed electric go-karts, which formed part of their first technology project.

Many thanks to all those who contributed to the excellent Services of Thanksgiving and Dedication which make for a very pleasant end to the term.  

P A  Ramsey

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols - 11th December 7pm

We would like to invite all parents to attend our Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols which will be held in the School Hall.  This will be a great opportunity to get into the Christmas Spirit and have a good sing.

The service will feature traditional carols and readings, as well as some dramatized reading performed by members of the drama club.  Year 7 are featuring heavily this year, and a letter will be coming home via student post, inviting them to sing in the choir.  The Year 7 choir was very successful at the Abbey Service, and we are looking forward to repeating this success for the Christmas Service.

Parents - Calling all singers!

I am looking for any parents who would be interested in singing at the service on 11th December.  It will be a traditional service with well known carols and both music and practice CDs will be available. Please let me know if you would like to sing or play in the orchestra.

D H Southorn

Welcome to new member of staff

I would formally like to welcome Mr Andrew Witty to the Verulam staff.  Mr Witty replaces Mr Tom Lyons in ICT and will also be teaching personal learning.  He will also be the form tutor for 8Y.

Calling all Scientists, Engineers and Architects!

A group of 21 particularly talented Year 9 students from Verulam are taking part in the National CREST awards programme for CREativity in Science and Technology. The students are ambitiously taking on the Silver award challenge, which is normally suggested for Year 10 or 11 students. 

Part of the challenge requires the input from a professional mentor in the field of their project to guide and assist students in making informed choices and to acting as a resource for knowledge.

If you would be willing to help out for an hour a week after school (4pm to 5pm) and are a Scientist, Engineer or Architect, please contact Mr Crossley at Verulam via phone or e-mail.

Homework

Key Stage Three trial spreads to Key Stage Four! Feedback from staff, parents and pupils about the use of fixed homework timetables in Key Stage Three has led to the adoption of this practice is Key Stage Four.  

As from Monday, all Year 10 and 11 pupils will be required to complete homework on set nights, thus making it easy from them to remember the tasks they need to do, and for parents to check that they are doing this. 

The Year 11 homework timetable was sent home in Mrs Harrison’s letter to parents, and Year 10 will be receiving their timetables next week.  Parents can find all the timetables on the school website. Click here to view the homework timetable for Year 10 and 11 on the school website.

Nexus News

INTERNET SAFETY – For Parents/Carers of Childrenin Years 7 and above

Tuesday, 17th November 2009 7.00-9.00pm

St Alban & St Stephen Junior School, Cecil Road, St Albans

Unlike other forms of bullying, cyberbullying can follow children and young people into their private spaces and outside school hours.

You are invited to join us at St Alban & St Stephen Junior. Listen to thought provoking information from Fiona Haynes from The Links ESC. The aim is to give parents greater understanding of today’s internet use and technology.

Please call the Nexus office to reserve a place:01727 855134. Jo.maher@fleetvillejm.herts.sch.uk

www.hertsextendedschools.org.uk/nestalbans