15 January 2021 Issue 10

HEAD’S MESSAGE
As we’re all aware, there have been a number of measures to control the spread of the virus: wearing of face
masks, school closures, closure of things like entertainment venues, restrictions on number of people who can
attend weddings and funerals, banning mass gatherings, social distancing, reduced/changed work habits,
improved ventilation, increased sanitisation and quarantines. INSIDE THIS ISSUE
All these measures were put in place to counter the 1918 ‘Spanish Fu’ pandemic. Even the aims – to slow the Important Info 2
spread, save lives, give time to develop vaccines and reduce strain on public health institutions were the same.
Responses have been remarkably similar too. Consider the following extract referring to the response in the USA Deputy News 3&4
to the Spanish Flu: KS4 5
“Big cities also had large public school systems, flourishing commercial entertainment districts, and extensive Maths 6
systems of mass transit, all of which formed fertile ground for the spread of influenza. Closing schools left parents
Business 7
with children to provide for during the day. Shutting down saloons and theaters meant not only lost revenue for
owners but also lost pleasures for their customers. To inflict such economic damage on a city's economy required a English 8
public health emergency without precedent.” Computer Sci 9
Nancy Tomes, PhDa in “Destroyer and Teacher”: Managing the Masses During the 1918–1919 Influenza Pandemic Public Humanities 10
Health Rep. 2010; 125(Suppl 3): 48–62.

Studies of the Spanish Flu pandemic, examining infection and death rates in various cities across the USA, SPECIAL POINTS OF
concluded that the biggest determinant in keeping infection rates low was the speed of response to the initial INTEREST
outbreaks. I don’t envy the politicians'’ difficulties in making key decisions in managing the pandemic, but perhaps
we should remember the adage “Those who don’t learn from their mistakes are apt to repeat them”. You will see
this is a key element in Mr Bell’s Cestrian Character section later in the newsletter.
BAG 2 SCHOOL 11
Parents Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) AGM

Along with this newsletter, all parents will receive notification of the PTFA AGM. This will be held on Thursday
11th February via ZOOM at 7pm. If you would like to attend this meeting, please email the PTFA
(NCSPTFA@gmail.com) and request a link, so you will be able to access Zoom.

Congratulations to Ameer Mousallati who won the iPad in the grand Christmas raffle. Thank you too to all who
bought tickets and paid for non-uniform: the proceeds boost PTFA funds to be used for school 'extras' and a
donation will be made to Save the Children. As always, thank you to all the PTFA who do so much for North
Cestrian. Indeed, the conversion of Room L2 to an IT suite is already proving invaluable during this time of remote
learning.

Covid Testing
Staff are now availing themselves of weekly Lateral Flow Tests, providing reassurance to them, parents and pupils.
This time has allowed us to adjust our systems to become as efficient as possible to allow pupils to be tested too.
Parents have already received consent forms to complete; thank you to the many who have returned theirs
already. Today there is also a call-out for parental volunteers to support this programme, and I am grateful to
those who have already stepped forward: the more the merrier, please.
FORM TUTOR CONTACTS:
Did you
7EKL l.klutz@northcestrian.co.uk know?

7SMI s.mills@northcestrian.co.uk If you have any

concerns or queries regarding your son or
7HVA h.vaughan@northcestrian.co.uk daughter, the FIRST PORT OF CALL should be
7ZHA z.hall@northcestrian.co.uk their Form Tutor.

7MWO m.worswick@northcestrian.co.uk

8CHA c.hayes@northcestrian.co.uk
8ASI a.singh@northcestrian.co.uk
8SPU s.pullen@northcestrian.co.uk
8ACL a.cliffe@northcestrian.co.uk
8FHE f.henes@northcestrian.co.uk

9NGI n.gingell@northcestrian.co.uk
9PHE p.henry@northcestrian.co.uk
9LMC s.few@northcestrian.co.uk
9SWI s.wilson@northcestrian.co.uk
We will be trying to keep you up to date about
9MSA m.saker-clark@northcestrian.co.uk
day to day happenings around school alongside
our weekly school Newsletter.
10ACO a.collins@northcestrian.co.uk
10DWI d.williamson@northcestrian.co.uk We would like our followers to engage with our
10VJE v.jesudason@northcestrian.co.uk
account. If you can retweet and like our posts this
can help us get our news out there.
10CJO c.johnson@northcestrian.co.uk
10MBR m.bracewell@northcestrian.co.uk

11TWI t.wilson@northcestrian.co.uk
11JBA j.badman@northcestrian.co.uk
11PST p.stobbs@northcestrian.co.uk
11LFA l.facchin@northcestrian.co.uk
11JSC j.scott@northcestrian.co.uk
 NCS CHARACTER EDUCATION
I present the traits to you alphabetically, here is the second trait…

Here is the second of the second of the character traits we wish to you to judge it importance. I have in-
cluded last week’s ’Generosity of Spirit’ below. There will be 8 in total for you to rank. So in week two,
which trait do rank higher for North Cestrian pupils to show?

Ofsted’s definition of character is “a set of positive personal traits, dispositions and virtues that informs
pupils motivation and guides their conduct so that they reflect wisely, learn eagerly, behave with integrity
and cooperate consistently well with others.” Over the weeks, keep the slides together, work out your or-
der as each week’s trait comes along. Discuss things at home, with teachers and friends and form your
ranking of your ‘desire to acquire’. In the ninth week I will release a Form Questionnaire on which you can
confirm your final ranking.
 NCS CULTURAL CAPITAL
Last week’s first ever cultural capital opportunities page met an excellent response amongst our pupils. It
will be a weekly feature from now on providing 25 opportunity to increase your cultural capital. The 25
will change each month.

It is the essential knowledge that pupils need to be educated citizens, introducing them to the best that
has been thought and said, and helping to engender an appreciation of human creativity and
achievement. It is this ‘beyond the school work’ that will kindle a person to move themselves and others
to even greater achievements.

See if any of the 25 opportunities hook your interest. Focus on a few, try something new? Whatever hooks
you. Each time your are hooked send me a 100 word reflection on the source. 50 words show casing your
understanding - kind of proving the you engaged in the opportunity. Then 50 words reflecting or
considering your opinion on its usefulness or its importance or how it may just have influenced your next
steps to go beyond this foundation and carve out new pathways and solutions.

Click the images below… send me 100 words and be awarded a cultural capital brick for their wall. This
wall of evidence creates an annual report on your cultural capital, open doors to showcase it and
ultimately prepare you for future education, applications, interview and rich and fulfilling lives.

Art Business Citizenship Computer Science Creative IMedia

Debate Club - email Design Tech Engineering Food Geography

c.johnson@northcestrian.co.uk

Headmaster History Literature Maths Media Studies

Should we limit a person's

MFL Music Performing Arts Psychology Religious Studies

Science Science Statistics Sports X!

 We appreciate it’s been a challenging start to the year
will still be open and virtual tours will be occurring. Mr
and since my last communication things have further
A.Gallamore will continue to review students and support
changed. We have had further lockdowns, updates on
those who have requested second meetings via
examinations and students working remotely.
telephone or remotely via MS Teams. If you require
During this challenging period for all subject teachers, support here feel free to contact via
pupils and parents we just wanted to reassure you that a.gallamore@northcestrian.co.uk
we at North Cestrian are still here to support you
Year 11 GCSE Exams
whatever way possible. The information below is to
update on the key areas our Year 11 students face: With GCSEs exams not going ahead in the summer as
planned, we are just awaiting further guidance from
Remote Learning
government but wanted to reassure your pupils that
Please be reassured we have switched over to full remote many of our partnership colleges will be accepting centre
learning. Work is being delivered to every pupil’s and teacher assessed grades for GCSE results to reflect
Classcharts account, documents are contained within and the hard work the pupils have put in.
students can upload their work for teacher assessment.
Students are expected to follow their normal timetable
via signing into Ms Teams and staff are delivering ‘Live’. In addition, Dr Askey is working closely to gather Centre
This format allows full interaction with ‘chat’ facility to Assessed Grades (CAG) & Mock examination performance
raise immediate questions and/or discussion points to so that we are able to send out the second of our letters
the lesson. home to further support our Year 11 student's
application process.
Many of our ‘Live’ lessons are recorded so please be
mindful to the expectations of being live and keeping Form Tutor time & Well being checks
comments sensible and appropriate. The school emailed
Pupils have already received communication from their
out the code of conduct early in the term. Should you
Form Tutors via Classcharts and some students have
need a copy please contact and I will send one out to
received Face to Face Teams meetings to allow pupil
you.
Q&A. We are looking into having at least one of these
Application Support sessions per two weeks, so please look out for your ‘Form
time’ invite. Periodically Form tutors and myself will
We understand that it is an important time for Year 11
contact to maintain our personal approach.
pupils to get their college applications completed. We are
still in school to support you. This week sees Loreto and
Xaverian college closing their doors. But many colleges

Head of KeyStage Postcards: Awarded for excellence in the Cestrian A, B, C.

Eva
Youssef
Garnett
Hussein

5
 North Cestrian Maths

During these times we in the Maths department are doing our best to
provide detailed content to help you with to continue with your learning in
a remote capacity. At times you may be set some hegartymaths.com work
to complete to help you with your studies. Below are some tips to help you
get the most out of these tasks.
If you are struggling to log on, click on “Forgotten your password? Click
here to request your teacher to reset it”.
Watch the video before attempting the associated quiz.
Whilst watching the video; take notes & attempt the example questions.
If you are still struggling with the content in the video, scroll down & make
use of the “building blocks” content.

We are pleased to introduce a new online resource for year 11 in preparation

for GCSEs & further study.
Students will be sent a link to this resource via ClassCharts which will enable
them to access this area.
Currently in this area you will find worked solutions to the mock exams from
November. As we expand this resource, we will introduce additional content
to further aid you with your revision & further revision in mathematics.

6
  Ask for support
The start of the business lessons online in general go through the key
concepts that are required for the extended writing, with students
providing responses on the chat to assess for understanding. Once done
students go to complete independent work, I am available on the chat
and often unmute myself and re-share my visualiser to go through
concepts again.
Please ensure your child is asking for support when they require it.

SENECA
In conjunction with the resources produced in school, we also have access
to a platform called Seneca. Please ensure your child is registered and has
accessed the class code sent on ClassCharts.
This allows me to see in real-time what the students are doing and respond
to any misconceptions before they develop too much.

There continues to be lots in the news about how the continuing lockdown
KEY STAGE 3 restrictions are impacting parts of the economy.
Have a think; is there any local businesses or businesses you used to shop at,
that are no longer in business?
There are GEMs available to students to discuss topics with me and are able to
respond to my questions.

AWARD Y10 Y11

POSTCARD WINNERS
GOLD ALL STUDENTS

SILVER INCREDIBLE WORK

BRONZE ETHIC BY ALL

Ask for help – Year 11s

Students now have access to a highly beneficial
make sure you tell me
podcast on YouTube, which is free to listen. It
of topics you find hard! discusses recent news articles, which will support
application. Students that engage in current
affairs do at least 1 grade better than similar
ability students. Make sure you follow the
podcast to receive future episodes.

7 Search: The Business as Usual

Podcast
 YEAR 9 - Are you currently choosing
your options? Have you thought about
Media Studies? Have a look at
the information below or talk to Miss Johnson
or Miss Butler if you want to find out more.
What is media studies?
From television to cinema, radio to podcasts, social media to
blogs and vlogs, and everything in between – media studies plays
a big part of our every day. And it’s never been so relevant than
in the internet age, where actors, singers, and personalities can
make their own celebrity online using their media skills. As
technology, creativity, and competition increases, these skills
become more in demand all over the world.
Media studies will equip you with the communication and
technology skills needed to succeed in the modern workplace,
whether in the media industry or not. Whether you choose to
pursue a career in film and television, fight for your own fame, or
take your skills into business – you’ll be well equipped for what
the modern workplace is looking for.
Media studies: Are you right for the course?
will equip you with skills ranging from editing to camera work, and
gear you up for a fastmoving industry that requires you to change
with the times.
Whether you want to be the brains behind the scenes of film and
music, or you want to make a difference as a broadcaster or
journalist, a GCSE in media studies will help to give you a shot at
a number of different careers.
What have we been doing in Media Studies recently?
Recently our students have:
been analysing the production, marketing and distribution of two
films: ‘Dr Strange’ and ‘I,Daniel Blake’
created Christmas marketing campaigns
analysed music videos of their favourite artists
planned and created their own music videos
analysed chocolate bar marketing campaigns

You’ll need to be able to demonstrate your skills and efforts in

What can you do with a Media Studies qualification?
English to be successful in your application for this option. You
Media studies will equip you for a wide range of jobs, including
will need good analytical skills, the ability to communicate clearly
as :
and effectively and a good understanding of audience, purpose,
 Presenter
language and tone in non-fiction texts and genre, narrative and
 Director
powerful language in fiction texts.
 Advertising Media Buyer
Media studies has practical elements to the course, but it is very
much an academic subject with challenging content and the need
 Copywriter
for strong skills in written work and the ability to understand  Media Researcher
complex ideas and terminology. When it comes to soft skills,  broadcast journalist
you’ll want to show curiosity, a natural flair with technology,
creativity, consistency, patience, and drive.  writer
 social media manager
Why study Media Studies?
 television/film producer
Pursuing a job in the media industry is a competitive process, so
Miss Butler  PR consultant
a qualification in the field will help you stand out from the crowd. It
Year 9: Tilola Ariyo—for
superb contributions to remote lessons and Ms Donachie
consistently producing work of an excellent quality Miss Hall
 All Mrs Donachie’s outstanding learners are being
Year 10: Joe Barlow— for always contributing to Year 7: Nate Kribus-Stoll for writing a recount
awarded this for their excellent participation in
the chat and discussion in online lessons, and independently using OneNote during the first
online lessons and a positive, enthusiastic start to
producing quality written responses in his Class week of online learning.
the term.
Notebook. Year 8: Findley Gee for working really hard with
Year 11—Zeeshan Rauf for making a real effort to  Year 7—Abbs Elbasheir his online learning.
 Year 10—Luke Oddling
 Year 11—Albie Barry
Miss Johnson
Mr Betteridge
Miss Badman
The reason for all below is terrific stoicism,
Y8: Leo Marsh Patrick - heroically Year 7 – Modupe Adebisi for foundation
enthusiasm, engagement and effort in the face
completing high standard work on knowledge about Shakespeare and
of online learning! sharing this with others in the class.
Class Notebook each and every
Y7- Teegan Griffiths lesson. Truly independent, well done Year 8 – Victory Obichukwu for seeking
Y8- Zaina Alfarra Leo. clarity to ensure she is maximising
Y9 - Darcy Normansell Y9: Ria Dawber - positive attitude to progress. Great efforts during lockdown.
Y10 - Jessica Russell online learning and super helpful to
Year 9 – Libby Harrison for contributions
other students every lesson
Y10 Media - Leo Claude WIlliams in online lessons!
Y11 -Alice Warmisham Y10: Luke Odling - fabulous work
produced on poetry analysis already -
8 keep it up Luke!
 COMPUTER SCIENCE IN THE NEWS

Remote learning in Computer

Science & Creative iMedia – What
have we been learning?
KS3
Year 7 and 8 – Data representation – how binary is used to represent numbers, text and
images in a computer.
Year 9 – Systems architecture and the CPU – learning about the inner workings of your
computer and how the CPU works with the RAM to process instructions in detail.

GCSE Computer Science

We have been learning about networks and wifi. We have been covering aspects such as
what is an SSID, encryption, how to improve your wifi by choosing a different channel
and the differences between the different bands of Wifi.

Creative iMedia
We have been learning about the planning phase of digital graphics which has included
pupils writing a client brief, choosing their specific target audience and creating pre-
production documentation to help them be creative with their ideas.

Computer Science Challenge Corner

Using the following website:

https://www.clickschool.co.uk/bitmap/?fbclid=IwAR1S-
G4dCUYlnQSLmObVzzChcEekmsAYRY-4Ucn3xef4SS4YK1P99zB85Dw
Create a computer game character or Avatar using a colour depth of 5 bits.
Take a print screen of your character and email to Mr Worswick
m.worswick@northcestrian.co.uk for a chance to appear in the next
newsletter.
Here is an example from Christina Tang to get you started!

STAR LEARNERS
Tasfiah Islam Jack Moylan Luke Ogden
Jacob Ashley Alex Barker Alice Warmisham
Georgia Levinsohn Oliver Bamforth Myles Sherry Starkey
Ubaida Tofeec Carloon Kee Harvey Hope
Zayaan Baloch Ivan Fung Hayden Reddy
Tymon Malowanski Luke Odling Joseph Ashby

9
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
Year 7 are completing work on interpretations in Ancient Rome and revising for an assessment at the moment.
We will then move onto the succession crises and the Norman invasion

Year 8 are completing work in Hardwick Hall and Bess of Hardwick for an assessment and then moving on to the
Golden Age of Elizabeth I

Year 9 are deeply ensconced in World War 1, battle plans, trench warfare and all the gruesome details!

Year 10. In Democracy and Dictatorship we have just finished the struggles that Germany had after WW1 and
will be tackling the Stresemann Era which was seen as the Golden Years for Germany.

Year 11. Pupils have worked hard to finish two topic this year: German (democracy and dictatorship) AND the
History of Medicine through the Ages. They have diligently studied for assessments on these (even over
Christmas) and are now tackling the final leg of Conflict and Tension. Keep it up Year 11!

THIS WEEK IN GEOGRAPHY

Year 7 are beginning a new topic of tourism, focussing on physical and human attractions in Thailand. They have
been using graph skills to describe trends in tourism, likewise reasons for its increase.

Year 8 are completing a scheme of work on globalisation, focussing on its like with TNCs and the fashion
industry, such as Primark, Nike and Adidas.

Year 9 are revising for an assessment on their previous topic ‘The Politics of Physical Geography’ based on the
book ‘Prisoners of Geography’ by Tim Marshall.

Year 10 are currently focussing on the effects of migration and the significance of Manchester as a city in their
‘Urban Issues’ topic at GCSE.

Year 11 are currently studying ways to reduce the development gap with Miss Gingell as part of their ‘Changing
Economic World’ topic, as well as weather hazards with Mr Pullen.

Live period 6s for year 11 run every Thursday on TEAMS at 5pm

THIS WEEK IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Year 7 are completing our unit on Covenants and will be trialling an online assessment on MS Forms.

Year 8 are exploring our new unit on Sikhism - some beautiful poems on Guru Nanak were submitted this week –
well done everyone!

Year 9 are continuing their GCSE unit - Religion and Life & have been completing 12 mark essay questions on MS
Forms.

Year 10 are revising Paper 1 with Mrs Isherwood-Cann and studying Religion and Life with Miss Henry

THIS WEEK IN PSYCHOLOGY

In Developmental Psychology we have been studying some very relevant and fascinating research on motivation
and how we learn. We will finish this unit with a look at morality and then go on to Memory
Social Influence Psychology- Year History Geography RS Psychology
We have been learning about 7 Callum Luke Duggan Shashank Joshi
current issues and debates, McGinty
which helps us to evaluate key 8 Abdullah Mackenzie Hala Awny
Muhammed Cross
studies in Psychology.
9 Luke Ogden Rishik Nair Amal Zubairi
10 Frankie Luke Odling Callum Zeeshan Hoq
McNaab Appleby and Katie
Booth
11 Zahrah Jabeen Fathima Ijas 10