1 April 2021 Issue 24

HEAD’S MESSAGE
When at university, I once met the poet Philip Larkin in the library. I said “Hello” and he said “Huh”. And for many years that was
my greatest interaction with him – he died later that year, so that didn’t help. Since then, I’ve come to appreciate his poetry more.
I chanced upon his poem ‘Spring’, a few lines from which are shown below:

Spring, of all seasons most gratuitous,

Is fold of untaught flower, is race of water
Is earth’s most multiple, excited daughter

For me, this speaks of Spring not just as another movement in the year’s cycle, but a new beginning. As lockdown restrictions ease
and days grow longer let’s hope we don’t just return to the ways we were, but to the ways we should be. To Christians, the Easter
message is for a person to be ‘born again’. Whatever a person’s beliefs, starting with a view that making the world a better place
begins with oneself, is a good place to start. I wish you all a happy Easter holiday.

Year 11 Exams and Study Leave

I cannot stress to you too much about the importance of the upcoming exams for Year 11s in lieu of the cancellation of the normal
external provision of GCSEs and other qualifications. Grades will be teacher assessed and we must use valid data of which these
exams will form a significant part. Dr Askey’s item later on in this newsletter is vital reading in order to familiarise yourselves with
the arrangements. Key elements are:

The examination timetable

The arrangements for study leave for the period 26th April to 7th May inclusive. Either:
Go home for study leave at 1.20pm (1.30 on 7-5-21)
Go home for study leave at 1.40pm (ie after lunch)
Go home for study leave at 3.20pm (ie use Period 5 for supervised revision)
Your consent for the study leave arrangements is required: follow the link given in Dr Askey’s article. No
consent means the pupil MUST stay in school until 3.20pm,
Equipment list
JCQ warning to candidates.
Uniform

The Easter break is a good time to ensure pupils have the correct uniform. All schools have the right to refuse pupil entry to the
school if pupils do not wear the right uniform in the right way. Non-conformity, after due warning, will result in pupils being sent
home. I know the vast majority of parents wholeheartedly support this stance because most of our pupils wear the uniform
smartly.
FORM TUTOR CONTACTS:
7EKL l.klutz@northcestrian.co.uk
7SMI s.mills@northcestrian.co.uk
7HVA h.vaughan@northcestrian.co.uk
7ZHA z.hall@northcestrian.co.uk
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
9MSA m.saker-clark@northcestrian.co.uk
10ACO a.collins@northcestrian.co.uk
10DWI d.williamson@northcestrian.co.uk
10VJE v.jesudason@northcestrian.co.uk
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
Does your child have a
medical appointment?
Parents should inform the school
beforehand (please phone or email
at least 30 minutes prior to
collection) if they are collecting their
child for a medical appointment
during the school day.
Detentions for Lateness
It was important that from 8th March we all had that period of
time getting used to the travel to school. As from 19th April we
can inform you of the consequences of students being late to
school.
Registration takes place at 0835 inside the period 1 classroom.
Arriving after this register closes will result in a late mark. In-
deed, the school gate shuts shortly after 0835 and a pupil enters
the school via the main reception and is recorded as late unless
the school is aware of an issue, for example public transport de-
lays.
Sanctions for lateness:
1 late to school / lesson = same day 10 minute detention
3 lates to school in a week (the week runs Thursday Am to
Wednesday PM = an addition 90 minute detention on a Thursday
after school.
We hope you can help he school to impress the importance of
punctuality.
Useful email addresses:
To report your child absent:
absence@northcestrian.co.uk
Covid test results:
covid@northcestrian.co.uk
To request time off during term time:
absence@northcestrian.co.uk 2
 NCS CHARACTER EDUCATION
The summer term will be the pilot projects for pupils to partake in opportunities to develop
their character traits. The pupils will also see their development as the positive rewards
system records the evidence of exposure, understanding and action that will celebrate and
challenge performance. Here is a preview of how the different pieces of evidence are related
to the character traits. A massive thank you to all the pupils who have helped develop these
character opportunities and they will be able to say at interview that they were at the
forefront of their school’s development. Their first points in the character traits will be for
Purposeful, Passionate and Resilient. Together we hope this is the beginning of many genuine, significant and sustained
examples..

The holidays present a great opportunity to take Character and Cultural Capital
Opportunities. Several pupils have mentioned to me that will be taking the opportunity to
click on bricks and enjoy and reflect on some of the more in depth tasks. In the spirit of
this pupil-led idea I invite you to revisit January and February bricks along with March to
watch any of the documentaries and films or read any of the books that you couldn’t find
time for during this busy school period. As usual, send me your reflections over the
holiday.

Also, as the world takes another tentative step back towards normality it would be great
to see pupils take safe opportunities to build character and cultural capital through visiting
places and having experiences with their family. As with our Platinum postcard I invite
pupils and parents to nominate Cestrians who have taken Character and Cultural Capital
When reading through the pupils’ wellbeing surveys were
Opportunities. Just drop me an email with a brief summary of how the trait was met and
really impressed by a request to offer indoor space at
maybe include a photo so that we can share in your pride as pupils get to lead a rich and
break time. Several pupils wanted the opportunity to sit
fulfilling life. For instance, here is one down in comfort, read, prep, get some headspace in the
example below from a parents email this busy day and take part in some Cultural Capital
week about Tom (Y7)… Opportunities. I am pleased to announce that the canteen
“This Saturday, he and his little brother will be available for all of these things every morning
supported Max Woosey (the 11 year old
Greatest Characters Music
boy who has camped outside for a year to Monday
raise funds for his local hospice) by joining
him in “Max’s Big Camp out”. It was a last Tuesday iPlayer doc iPlayer doc

minute decision and a cold night, but they Newsletter Cultural Capital
Wednesday
did it and in the process, raised £130 for Quiz
their chosen charity Stand up to Cancer.” Guest Pupil Guest Teacher
Thursday

Friday Excellence News 3

channel
 NCS CULTURAL CAPITAL
Brand new! 25 Cultural Capital Hooks
for March/April 2021
See if any of the 25 opportunities hook your interest. Focus on a few, try something new? 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.
These pupils completed Junayd Y11
the most/best reflections on February’s cultural capital bricks. There were 135 pupils who took at least one Fatima Y10 Hala Y10
opportunity and all of the 25 hooks were reflected upon. All in all a great performance by North Cestrian
Tom Y7
School.
They have taken their first steps towards developing and showcasing casing a wider and deeper knowledge Laksh Y10 Samuel Y10
for use in sophisticated conversations, interviews, qualifications and an all-round rich and fulfilling life. Theodora Y8 Rida Y10
Thanks for ‘standing on the shoulders of giants’ in January and it is great that young leaders like you will be
Sumayyah Y7 Sundus Y10
carving out new pathways in the future that go beyond the best that has already been thought and said!

Art Business Citizenship—3 links Computer Science Creative IMedia

Coolest online projects -

Women in top jobs bring your idea to life!

Debate Club Design Tech Engineering Food Geography

Is this our best debate ever?

PLAY

Wassily Chair -iconic? Influential?

Headmaster History (Film) Literature Maths Media Studies

Should we spend £billions on Watch and
trips to mars? research
the
world’s
most
famous Research the significance of How will this impact all future media
feminist? CLICK HERE Pythagoras + your views?

MFL Music Performing Arts Psychology (film) Religious Studies

Click for
PLAY
questions

PLAY 2 links to choose from

Science Science Statistics Sports X!

Is the gender pay gap closing? International Women’s Day

4
 EASTER HOLIDAY REVISION WORKSHOPS

Below is a timetable of revision workshops for Year 11 and Year 9 +10

Religious Studies. In order to confirm the pupil’s place at the workshop
parents must email the member of staff directly by 1600 on Monday 29th

Tuesday History LCo (Health) 9 – 11 am email l.cove@northcestrian.co.uk

6 April 2021 History SFe (Germany and Conflict & Tension) 11.30 am – 1.30 pm email
s.few@northcestrian.co.uk
PE Sports Science R043 12-2.30pm email n.lawson@northcestrian.co.uk

RS PHe (Paper 1/2) 9 – 11 am email p.henry@northcestrian.co.uk

Wednesday Geography NGi (Paper 2) / SPu (Paper 1) 9-11 am email s.pullen@northcestrian.co.uk

7 April 2021 Geography NGi (Paper 2)/ SPu (Paper 1) 11.30 am - 1.30 pm email n.gingell@northcestrian.co.uk
RS VCa (Paper 1 / 2) 9-11am email v.isherwood@northcestrian.co.uk
Thursday Art LFa 9-11 am email l.facchin@northcestrian.co.uk
8 April 2021 Engineering FHe 9:00 – 15:30 email f.henes@northcestrian.co.uk
Chemistry (paper 2) for Triple Science 1-3pm s.askey@northcestrian.co.uk

Friday Food SCr 9-11am email s.cruxton@northcestrian.co.uk

9 April 2021 DT SCr 11.30 -1.30 email s.cruxton@northcestrian.co.uk
Engineering FHe 9:00 – 15:30 email f.henes@northcestrian.co.uk

Monday Physics for Triple scientists (Space science), RRo 9-11 email r.rodger@northcestrian.co.uk
12 April 2021 Chemistry (paper 1) RRo 11.30 -1.30pm. email r.rodger@northcestrian.co.uk
English Literature CJO, RDO 2-4pm all Year 11 welcome but on first come first served basis - email
c.johnson@northcestrian.co.uk

Tuesday Computer Science ACO 11C Group ONLY 9:00 – 11.00 email a.collins@northcestrian.co.uk
13 April 2021 Computer Science ACO 11A Group ONLY 11:30 – 13.30 email a.collins@northcestrian.co.uk
English Language CJO 2-4pm all Year 11 welcome but on first come first served basis -
email c.johnson@northcestrian.co.uk

Wednesday MFL CHa – 11A/11C / 11B 9-11 email c.hayes@northcestrian.co.uk

14 April 2021
Maths Ms Bradford, Mr Bracewell, Ms Klutz, Ms Vaughan, Ms Walsh & Ms James 12noon – 14:00 (all
of year 11 are invited) email j.walsh@northcestrian.co.uk
Thursday Biology Triple 10.00 - 12.00 , Mr Wilson and Miss Scott (Triple contact your teacher).
15 April 2021 T.wilson@northcestrian.co.uk or j.scott@northcestrian.co.uk

Biology Combined Science (Higher) 12.30 - 14.30

Biology Combined Science (Foundation) 12.30 - 14.30
Email t.wilson@northcestrian.co.uk or j.scott@northcestrian.co.uk
5
 GCSE 2021 Updates: The Year 11 Exam Timetable is now confirmed below.
Week 1 – lessons as normal unless in examinations.
Revision in school week 2&3, but,
from 26th April, Year 11 pupils will have a
choice to pursue the most effective method of
independent study after lunch by either:
Going home at 13.20
Staying for lunch and then going home at
13.40
Revising in school until 15.20

Parental consent is required to allow pupils

off site to study at home.
Parent /carers must complete this form to
indicate intention and permission. (a copy will
also be sent via Class Charts, you need only to
complete it once). We will not accept consent
from pupil emails, it must come from the
parental contact emails logged in school.
Permission form for study at home.

Check your Exam supplies:

Pencil cases need to be transparent
Water bottles should have no label
Equipment will not be given to you – bring spare pens, pencils and a
CALCULATOR

Calculating Grades
JCQ have published guidance for schools, pupils and parents this week. Access
it here. The school policy and procedures for staff will be based on these
documents. More after Easter.

“Opportunity is missed
by most people be-
“One of the most important cause it is dressed in
keys to success is having the
overalls and looks like
discipline to do what you
know you should do, even work”.
when you don’t feel like
Thomas A.Edision
doing it”

6
Effective Revision (& Prep)
From the Inner drive Best-ways-to-revise-ebook
These proven strategies help students retain more information and increase their ability to recall
them at a later date. These techniques include retrieval practice, spacing and interleaving.

7
 HELLO FELLOW NORTH CESTRIANS! PARENTS! TEACHERS! FRIENDS!
BUDDING CHEFS!

***** WE NEED YOUR HELP! *****

In an attempt to make something amazing out of a year of not so amazing….. we would like to produce a
special cookery book based on your favourite, go to or recently discovered recipes.
Lots of you have been improving your cookery skills over the lockdown period – now is your chance to
share your favourite family recipes or quick food “hacks” with others!
We are looking for a wide variety of worldwide recipes – savoury or sweet – cakes, tray-bakes, biscuits,
bread, meat dishes, vegetarian, vegan – anything! It would be extremely helpful if you could email you
recipes on a Word document in the following format to the following email address: ncspHa@gmail.com
EXAMPLE:
TITLE OF RECIPE: e.g. Grandma’s Favourite ‘Curry’
AUTHOR: A little bit about yourself – you and your child’s name(s), class year and a short anecdote about
your recipe, occasion recommendation or any other tips eg even better served the next day cold with
salad !!!
PHOTO: if possible
SERVES: how many portions
INGREDIENTS: a new line for each ingredient
METHOD: Clearly set out
If you are really struggling for time but still want to contribute, then please send in a photo of the
recipe and method to the PTFA email: ncspta@gmail.com Please note that if we get a few duplicate
recipes, we will only be able to include one version but appreciate
your contribution anyway.
THANK YOU! We will advise everyone when the recipe books are
available to purchase at a later stage. Any questions?

Please e-mail the ncspta@gmail.com address.

We are also looking to include local advertising, details to follow….