MVC NEWS

www.melbournvc.org 01763 223400 www.facebook.com/MelbournVillageCollege X: @Melbourn_VC

The News Magazine of Melbourn Village College, an Academy of The Cam Academy Trust
Winter 2023

A World of Wonder — Page 13

MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

College has a facelift

NEW LOOK: Melbourn’s reception now has a modern, separate visitors’ area, a dedicated student window and an admin office
that is fit for purpose.

More than £200,000 has been spent on upgrading Melbourn Village College
in the last six months.
Staff and students returned in September to find a completely new reception area,
adding order and security to the site as well as giving administrative staff a work
space that is fit for purpose.
servbuttery, which served the neighbouring Common Room, has been converted
into a First Aid room, allowing unwell students to be much more closely monitored
by trained staff working nearby.
The improved security through reception — visitors, part-time staff and members
of the Trust now sign in electronically before being admitted — was part of a
wholesale review of the previously open site.
Hundreds of metres of fencing have now been installed to ensure there is no
public access to the school buildings except through the monitored front entrance,
while still enabling visitors to reach the Sports Centre at all times. In half-term
further improvements saw the resurfacing of the students’ entrance path.
The maths classrooms at the front of the school were redecorated in the summer
and given new carpets as part of on-going upgrades which have seen around
£1.5m spent across the site in the last couple of years.
Two years ago the full-size new 3G floodlit artificial pitch was close to completion
and work has continued at pace ever since, including revamping and upgrading
the changing rooms and toilet facilities near the gym and in the Humanities block.
The Food and Nutrition teaching space has increased significantly with the old
room, used for both teaching and practical work, now repurposed as a classroom
with a demonstration desk.
An IT suite was converted to create a number of fully-equipped student kitchens
and the offices between the classrooms have increased the available space to
allow for a walk-in storage area and industrial refrigerator.
Computing has a modern, functional suite created by converting the under-used
Seminar Room.
Across the site, catering has also been a focus with the school kitchens revamped
to co-incide with new caterers, Caterlink, taking on the provision of snacks and
lunches and giving them the ability to offer a greater choice.
Staff have also benefited with their dated, cluttered staffroom getting a much-
needed makeover. They now have a bright and welcoming room to work, meet
and take a break.
In the GE Block a corridor has been removed to ensure all three classrooms are
appropriate teaching spaces and all were revamped and updated, including
added external access doors to two of them.

IMPROVEMENTS:
These include a
new First Aid
room, security
fencing around
the school
buildings and a
new entrance path
for students.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

q Change for the Better — 3 q Uniform Changes — 6 q Panto delights Year 7 — 11
q SLT Expands — 3 q Top-rated Catering — 6 q Drone aces ‘Den’ — 11
q Be part of MVC — 3 q Trust News — 7 q Poetry in two Tongues — 11
q Raising Aspirations — 4 q Students Speak Up — 8 q Different Way to Learn — 12
q New Lead’s commitment — 4 q New Reading Scheme — 8
q School’s Out for ‘Hedgy’ — 12
q Remembering the Fallen — 4 q Tom Jackson — 9
q Warm Welcome — 5 q Rapper and MP Agree — 9 q Science Focus— 13
q Plenty of Clubs — 5 q Duo join Mandarin Team — 10 q SCSSP Round-up — 14
q GCSE Results Impress— 6 q Students Prove Commitment q Sport — 15
q Prefects Already Busy — 6 — 10 q Sports Centre — 16
2
Change for the better
MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Young peoples’ futures and our desire to educate them, both this compared to October 2022.
academically and socially, is what motivates all of the adults at I believe a great strength of MVC is our willingness to listen to our
Melbourn Village College. students and parents. As a school we want to hear the views of
We all want to give our students the best possible experiences in a others, finding out how our students learn best. The concerns
safe environment, allowing them to grow as individiuals into the students currently have and how we can support parents to have a
successful adults of the future. better understanding of their child’s schooling experience is key.
The activities reported in this newsletter clearly demonstrate the will For example, after listening to the responses of parents we are
of staff to go beyond what is expected. Why? Because they know changing how we report their child’s academic progress on a termly
that those students who take part in such activities benefit immensly. basis.
Melbourn Village College is changing (yes, we do recognise the I am determined that, no matter what our Ofsted report states, while
issues raised in the recently-published Ofsted report). We can now GUIDING CHANGE: strongly addressing the issues raised, we will not forget that we want
compare ourselves as a school to the school as it was in October Christopher Bennet. to educate our young people into making the correct decisions for
2022. themselves and others, and not to use the report as a reason to punish students.
For example, one significant shift has been the changes to the pastoral team, Please read this newsletter, which is filled with wonderful activities which our
Heads of Year have double the amount of time for that role, with each year group amazing students have actively engaged with. If you would like to visit Melbourn
having a dedicated non-teaching member of staff allocated. This has led to more Village College please do not hesitate to contact my PA, Mrs Barr
students and parents responding positively to how the school addresses concerns (lbarr@melbournvc.org)
that are raised, with a 27% increase in this October’s parents’ survey recognising Christopher Bennet, Executive Headteacher

SLT expands to take Melbourn forward

NIKI SMITH: Head SEAN POLLOCK: ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: For new Associate Assistant Head Teachers (left
of School. New SENDCo. to right) Beth Cooke, Simon Luxton, Kate King and Cat Nicholls.

Work is already under way to build a strong team
to take Melbourn Village College forward and a
number of staff have spent this term settling
either into new roles or a completely new job
after joining the school in September.
Christopher Bennet has been confirmed as
Executive Head of both MVC and St Peter’s
School in Huntingdon and each has now
appointed a Head of School to work closely with
him.
At Melbourn that is Niki Smith, who was
appointed as Deputy Principal in 2020 after
moving from her Assistant Principal role at
partner Cam Academy Trust school Comberton
Village College, following an initial one-year
secondment.
The Senior Leadership Team has also increased
in size with the arrival from Comberton of
Assistant Head Teacher and SENDCo Sean
Pollock as well as the appointment of four
Associate Assistant Head Teachers (AAHT).
These members of staff have taken on additional
responsibilities alongside their current roles,
Disadvantaged Students to his responsibilities
alongside Reading and Literacy (he writes about
his new role on Page 4), Beth Cooke, who also
teaches English and Media, is the AAHT for
Internal Assessment, another English teacher
Kate King has an AAHT role focusing on
Behaviour, and Cat Nichols, who teaches drama
and is Head of Year 9, is the AAHT for Student
Participation.
They join a leadership group which also includes
Assistant Heads John Barnes and Euan Willder.
As well as the arrival of a new SENDCo,
Melbourn has welcomed teachers in a number of
departments.
These include three newcomers to Maths — Head
of Department Moncef Fakhfakh, Darroch Allden
and Ambreen Sajid. Kate Swann has joined the
English Department, and Hayley Beck teaches
Food & Nutrition, DT and Art.
From October 1st there were also additional
responsibilities for three further staff.
Ajay Belgrave has been tasked with improving
the quality of tutor time by supporting the
behaviour and British Values to different year
groups with different levels of understanding.
Terence Brame is passionate about ensuring that
students go on to the right setting for them after
leaving Melbourn and that it is of appropriate
quality. He has taken on a careers role to support
the effectiveness of placing MVC students after
Year 11 as he believes that students’ post-16
destinations are the most important measure of a
school’s success.
Chloe Buckland has joined her fellow PE
teachers Kelly Coghlan (Year 7) and Richard
Barlow (Year 11) in taking on a Head of Year
position, working with a new Year 10 team.
Melbourn has also recruited two new Teaching
Assistants, Louise Lynch and Luke Higgs, a new
administrator and lead first aider in Chloe-Diana
Wombwell and receptionist Melissa Lawrence.
Chair of Governors Sue Williamson said: “We are
delighted to have recruited some excellent new
staff in a time of teacher shortages. We also want
to develop all staff and it’s good that so many

Be part of MVC
each with a specific focus. creation of resources and of the staff delivering opportunities have been created for staff to lead
Head of English Simon Luxton adds information on subjects such as pro-social on important developments.”

NEW VENTURE: The first of the Trust’s four Recruitment
Roadshows took place at Melbourn.
The Cam Academy Trust held its first Recruitment Roadshow this term to
showcase the opportunities available across all the schools it oversees.
There were four days in October where prospective employees could visit one
of four different venues in South Cambridgeshire and Huntingdon to chat to HR
staff and find out more about the teaching and non-teaching roles available.
This included at Melbourn, where there are still some vacancies despite
considerable recruitment over the summer. To find out if there’s a job for you,
please go to https://www.melbournvc.org/contact-us/current-vacancies and for
adverts across the Trust, visit https://www.catrust.co.uk/key-
information/vacancies
3
Raising aspirations
MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

A trip into Cambridge for Years 10 and 11 proved
so popular that the school ended up running a
second visit.
The first visit for 16 students was planned around an
invitation by The Leys School to attend a book
reading and ‘meet the author’ event in early October.
The book is A Terrible Kindness by Jo Browning
Wroe and students attending were provided with
copies to read first and get signed by the author.
As that was an evening event, it was decided to add
in a culturally enriching day in Cambridge —
designed to inspire students to reach the best
academic outcomes possible and to give them an
insight into student life at one of the world’s most
famous universities.
They visited Selwyn College, one of the 31 colleges
that make up the University of Cambridge, and also
had a tour of the University Library, which houses
more than eight million books, journals and papers
from across the world.
They also visited the famous Heffers book shop and
had dinner at a Cambridge pizza restaurant.
Due to the huge response from students, a further 25
were taken to Cambridge the following week for a
similar experience but without the author.
Head of English Simon Luxton, who organised the
visit, said: The students were a credit to themselves
and the school throughout and have spoken to me to
say how much they got from their trip. I would like to
congratulate all the students on their behaviour and
attitudes whilst on the trip; even asking to go into
extra bookshops!”

New lead is committed to ‘levelling up’

TRYING CAMBRIDGE FOR SIZE: Students don the traditional gowns as well as looking round Selwyn College.

It has been my great pleasure to join the Senior Leadership Team to lead on
ensuring the progress of disadvantaged and pupil premium students at
Melbourn Village College.
It has been a busy time during which many exciting developments have
taken place:
l All disadvantaged students now have a strategy sheet which is filled in
and discussed by teachers in order to share the most effective strategies in
helping individual students make the best progress possible; both
academically and pastorally. These strategy sheets will be sent home to
parents to add for any extra information.
l I have met all Year 7 disadvantaged students individually to discuss how
they feel about school, what they would like us to know about them,
including their interests and hobbies, and how they feel we can best
students come under this umbrella and have a secure knowledge of how
they can best be supported. I am very much looking forward to meeting all
the disadvantaged students in all other year groups and getting to know
and work with them over the course of the academic year.
l We have taken trips to Cambridge University and the University library
for our Year 11 students, which included several disadvantaged pupils.
l All Year 7 disadvantaged students have had the opportunity to visit the
Science Museum in London with the rest of the year group (see Page 13).
It has been a privilege to begin to get to know this cohort of students better
and to ensure that they have the strategies available to them to make the
best progress possible.
I am looking forward to seeing their results throughout the year and in

Remembering the fallen

support their learning. This will then be monitored by the teaching and continuing to assist both students and parents in getting the very best from
learning team to ensure that teaching and pastoral staff know which their time at school. Simon Luxton

Students held a commemoration event online on the Friday before Armistice Day to remember
all those lost in conflict.
Head of Humanities James Stuart read the poem In Flanders Fields and then students stood in
silence behind their chairs while the Last Post played.
Students in Year 7 especially were praised for their impeccable behaviour and respectful
silence for the whole two minutes. HELPING
HAND: From
new lead for
disadvantaged
and pupil

Learning for all

premium
students.

The Cam Academy Trust’s Adult Education programme

wasdelighted to be back running classes from Melbourn Village
College on Tuesday evenings this term.
The varied programme of courses included classes in pottery,
watercolours, yoga and dance fitness.
For the spring term these classes will run again from January
16th, 2024, with the addition of a new five-week Indian Takeaway
favourites cookery class.
If you wish to enrol, please email the adult education office on
MOMENT OF REFLECTION: Year 7 observe two minutes’ silence. commed@catrust.co.uk
4

Warm welcome to MVC
ICEBREAKER: Year 7 pupils get to know each other on the
first day of term.
Two different groups have been getting to know Melbourn Village College
this term.
On September 5th, the new cohort of 136 Year 7s started secondary school life at
the college with activities within tutor groups to help students get to know their
classmates and feel more comfortable in a new situation.
They have now settled in well to the new routines and have been busy this term
trying out the amazing variety of after-school activities and getting to grips with the
latest technology and how it enhances learning after they were issued with
personal iPads in mid-October.
Plenty of clubs to pique students’ interest
Just a couple of weeks earlier, more than 200 families attended Melbourn’s
annual Open Evening for prospective pupils and their parents.
Two new clubs were added to the extensive opportunities for after-school
enrichment and will continue next term.
Students in all year groups can join the Board Games Club, run by Mrs
Stanley on a Monday, and/or the Journalism Club led by Mr Jackson, a
former journalist, on Wednesday after school.
These are in addition to a wide range of sports, music and other activities
on offer after the end of the school day on Mondays, Tuesdays and
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: Melbourn offers a wide range of after-school activities three days a week.
MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE
VISITING: Record numbers of families attended Melbourn’s
Open Evening for prospective students.
The event for the Year 6 students from Melbourn’s partner primary schools and
beyond was a huge success, with lots of activities and quiz questions to answer
as visitors toured the facilities, met current pupils and staff, heard talks from
Executive Headteacher Christopher Bennet and Cam Academy Trust Chief
Executive Stephen Munday and sampled school meals, thanks to caterers
Caterlink.
Mr Bennet said: “Many parents commented to me about the positive relationships
which were overtly evident between staff and students.”
During the evening, MVC welcomed more than 230 families to our school, which
must be one of the highest attendance at an open evening.
Wednesdays.
Students can sign up for experiences as diverse as Minecraft club and
sewing, as well as a variety of sports, band, choir, drama and opportunities
such as creative writing and Warhammer modelling.
Those staying late can also access the free bus, which leaves the college at
4.10 and covers the majority of Melbourn’s catchment villages as well as
Royston.
5
 Prefects already busy in new roles
MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE
Melbourn’s new prefects wasted no time in
making a mark in their first term in office.
Led by senior prefects Henry (11 Hawking)
and Alice (11 Newton), the group of 12 have
had a strong focus on charity.
They organised and ran a cake sale in aid of
Macmillan Cancer Support, with the help of
lots of delicious donations, and raised £144.
Then in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday
last month, they visited tutor groups selling
poppies in aid of the Royal British Legion.
The rest of the Year 11 prefect team
comprises Baran (Franklin), Henry (Franklin),
GCSE results impress
Yunus (Lewis), Maddie (Franklin), Alfie
(Darwin), Ruby (Newton), Aliya (Newton), Sam
(Hawking), Ruby (Darwin) and Max (Franklin).
Executive Headteacher Christopher Bennet
believes this summer’s GCSE results were the
result of hard work and teamwork.
He said: “I am really impressed with the results that
our students achieved this year, which show the
potential of our students. They have clearly formed
positive relationships with their staff.
“I am particularly impressed with how our students
and staff have worked together to overcome the
Changes to help raise uniform standards
challenges they have experienced in recent years to
Changes to Melbourn’s uniform from
September 2024 have been announced by
Executive Headteacher Christopher Bennet.
Although standards are being more closely
adhered to and expectations made very clear
to students, he is still not satisfied.
Therefore from September 2024, a new tartan
pattern skirt will replace the current black
skirt for Years 7-10.
Those girls moving into Year 11 will be
allowed to wear the existing black knee-
length skirt.
The option of black tailored straight-leg
trousers without external pockets or shorts
still allowed for all students.
PE shorts with the current woven vertical-
striped pattern (shadow stripe) were
FIVE
STARS:
For
Melbourn’s
catering
team.
6
GOING
LIKE HOT
CAKES:
The
prefects’
bake sale
in full
swing.
ensure that our students could confidently sit their Statistics 100%, Art 86%, Mandarin 86%, Physics
examinations. 86%, Chemistry 77% and PE 71%.
“Overall, the standards achieved by our students are “These results clearly show the excellent outcomes
at least the same as those gained in 2019. that our students, supported by our staff, can
“Therefore, despite the warnings we have received achieve.
about standards being reset to pre-pandemic levels, “The success of students demonstrates the
our students have clearly demonstrated the success improvements being made at Melbourn Village
which they are capable of. College, which are supporting our students to attain
“In particular, the following subjects have achieved higher qualifications, giving them greater
the following pass rates at grade 5 and above: opportunities for the rest of their lives.”
previously available only from the official
suppliers, but can now be purchased from
any supplier who stocks the same type.
Financial support will be available to those
families who may find this change a
significant burden.
Mr Bennet said: “We will ensure the total cost
is below the national average cost of
NEW
secondary school uniform of £422 and up to
ADDITION:
five branded items.
Melbourn’s
“Melbourn’s average illustrative cost of
school
uniform this year is under £200. skirt is
The new skirts will be available from changing
Melbourn’s uniform supplier, Royston-based from
Top-rated catering!
Schoolyard, from April 2024: September
https://mvc.schoolyard-online.co.uk/ 2024.
Congratulations to our catering team for raising their four-star Food Hygiene rating
to the highest possible five stars following a no-notice inspection last month.
Melbourn’s break and lunch provision is supplied by Caterlink, who took over when
long-serving catering manager Lynn Gregory retired in 2022.
Since then there has been considerable work to modernise and upgrade the
kitchens and Caterlink have expanded options available to staff and students,
including the popular ‘grab n go’ lunches.
They also put on an amazing display at Open Evening with lots of samples for
visitors to try.
As the magazine went to print, the team were busy planning and preparing for
Christmas lunch on December 20th. The menu featured the tradtional turkey roast
or a roast winter vegetable Wellington with all the trimmings, plus a choice of Yule
Log, Christmas cookies or Festive Krispy Cake to follow. The hall was decorated
and each diner was given a paper hat.
The regular menu and price list are available on the Melbourn website:
https://www.melbournvc.org/parent-carer-and-student-information/catering.php
Chief Exec to step down
THE CAM ACADEMY TRUST NEWS

Stephen Munday has announced his retirement from The Cam Academy his own admission, because he was not drawn to the careers often suggested to
Trust after more than 12 years in the founding role. Economics graduates.
Always passionate about providing the best educational opportunities for students He said: “It subsequently developed into a strong conviction of the remarkable
in his care, the Chief Executive helped established the Trust (formerly The importance and value of the teaching profession.
Comberton Academy Trust) in 2011 through his role as Principal of Comberton “I would not hesitate to recommend it, whilst confirming it is very hard work and
Village College for the previous 10 years. has its meaningful challenges. There is little to beat seeing a young person
During his tenure, the Trust has increased in size to now include four secondary develop an understanding and even a love of what they are learning.”
schools, two sixth forms and seven primary phase schools in South Stephen was awarded a CBE for services to Education in the 2013 New Year’s
Cambridgeshire and Huntingdon, with one just inside Bedfordshire. Honours, having spent several years as a designated ‘National Leader of
He has overseen the establishment of Comberton’s sixth form as well as the Education’ as well as serving on a range of advisory boards for the Department
building from scratch of Cambourne Village College as a free school. A sixth form for Education.
opens there in September 2024. Another primary school, Fowlmere, is due to join He went on the become President of the Chartered College of Teaching and was
the Trust early next year. appointed as their first Honorary Fellow last year when his presidency ended.
Stephen, 59, a huge advocate of Henry Morris who established the village college He remains a Director on the Board of the Cambridge United Foundation, a nod
system in Cambridgeshire, said: “It has always been an absolute pleasure and to his passion for sport, in particular cricket and golf.
privilege to have been able to oversee The Cam Academy Trust.
“Best of all has been the wonderful opportunity to work with
so many very good people, who work so well and with such
dedication to ensure great education for all our pupils in all
our schools.”
“I know that the Trust will go from strength to strength moving
forward. The clear joint view about what education is all about
is really central to what and who we are. That remains
regardless of any particular person.”
The board of Trustees are now preparing to appoint a new
Chief Executive with Stephen’s retirement set for the end of
March.
Chair Sue Williamson said: “Stephen not only initiated the
formation of the Trust but has laid excellent foundations for its
future development. He is deeply committed to improving the
life chances of all young people by not only providing a broad
curriculum but ensuring that there are numerous extra-
curricular activities for all.
“We are determined to recruit an outstanding candidate to
ensure this work continues.”
Stephen, who graduated from St John’s College, Cambridge,

Primary poised to join Trust next month

BOWING OUT: Stephen Munday will leave the Trust in March.
with a degree in economics was drawn to teaching initially, by

Numbers of local primary schools have been expressing an interest in
joining our Trust.
The general approach of the Trust is to seek to accommodate such
approaches whenever that is at all reasonably possible.
We aim to have a community and locality-based approach to education and
schooling, so local primary schools joining our Trust can strengthen further
that aim.
There is the potential to work more powerfully across school phases
through this and provide quality education in local areas for pupils of all
ages.
The school currently closest to formalising its move into the Trust is
Fowlmere Primary School. It is a named partner primary school of Melbourn
Village College, which has been part of the Trust for many years.
The Advisory Board of the Regional Director’s Office has approved the
school joining the Trust and all the necessary processes are being
undertaken to enable that to happen.
It is very much hoped that the school will be in the Trust from January
2024. As often, there are some ongoing processes relating to leases and
certain other legal matters that are having to be worked through at this late
stage, and they do have potential to delay the precise date.
We are all working hard to overcome these things so that January can be
the confirmed start date. Come what may, a point early in 2024 will be when
this happens.
We all want to welcome Fowlmere Primary School into the community of
schools that make up our Trust.
We look forward to their contribution and how we can support the provision
of excellent education for all pupils at the school.
We will also welcome further discussions with local
schools seeking to join us at other points in the coming
year. Stephen Munday CEO

NEW MEMBER: Fowlmere Primary is due to join the Trust in January 2024.

For the latest job vacancies across the Trust go to www.catrust.co.uk 7

MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Students speak up . . .
WELL SPOKEN: Students competed in what is said to be the largest public speaking competition for schools in England.

Nine students have been given the chance to hone their public speaking
skills this term by taking part in two competitions.
Our team of Otto (11 Lewis), Sarah (11 Lewis) and Alex (11 Hawking) competed
in the first round of the English Speaking Union Schools’ Mace Competition, while
Melbourn entered two teams in the English Speaking Union Churchill Public
Speaking Competition with Noah (11 Darwin) as chair, Yunus (11 Lewis) as
speaker and Nearijah (11 Newton) as questioner for the boys and Matilda (11
Hawking), Mayuha (11 Darwin) and Abbie (11 Newton) fulfilling the roles for the
girls’ team.
Both events were held online, but in the first all three spoke in their ‘match’
against The Perse School, Cambridge.
Melbourn were given the job of proposing the motion ‘This House believes that
the Government should hold more responsibility than individuals for climate
change’ and Head of English Simon Luxton reported they did a brilliant job.
Otto opened the debate with some very cogent arguments around political,
economic and social factors surrounding the central thesis that it is the
government’s responsibility to work harder to arrest climate change.
After the first speaker from The Perse opened up the opposition side of the
debate, Sarah continued and enhanced the proposition arguments, with a focus
on if it was fair that people were treated differently in how public services, such as
rubbish collection, were undertaken.
After the second opposition speaker, a floor debate and the summing up speech
from the opposition it was time for Alex to sum up the proposition case.
Alex achieved this clearly and focused on the points of clash in the debate,
arguing that the financial abilities of governments far outweighed that of
high-quality field, but our students (and their supporters!) were a real credit to the
school.”
The second competition, said to be the largest public speaking competition for
schools in England and Wales, was run differently with only one student making
the case; Yunus speaking on ‘Prisoners being able to vote’ and Mayuha on ‘How
to fix our broken childcare system.’
The opening round involved four schools and was another very high-quality event.
Yunus spoke with great passion and knowledge on whether prisoners should be
able to vote and was then quizzed by the questioner from Parkside College.
He answered their questions with precision and developed his argument very well.
Nearijah and Noah then chaired and questioned one of the speakers from The
Perse School in the complicated format of the competition. They did this
admirably, with Noah keeping a very calm atmosphere to proceedings and
Nearijah asking some very cogent questions.
It then came to the turn of Mayuha to give her views on how to fix our broken
childcare system. Mayuha gave some very well researched points and formulated
an excellent case. She was questioned by a student from The Perse School and
dealt with these excellently, allowing the questions to help her continue her line of
argument.
Abbie and Matilda then chaired and questioned another of the Perse speakers.
Abbie’s questions were very sharp and focused and allowed the speaker to
elucidate their thoughts in greater detail. Matilda was a very reassuring chair who
enabled each participant to shine in their role.
Mr Luxton added: “Once again, although we did not get through, each and every
student was a credit to themselves and the school.

New scheme to
individuals. “They have picked up excellent life experiences which will help them as they
Mr Luxton said: “We were very unfortunate not to progress in what was a very move forward into post 16 and higher education.”

boost reading ages

The school has recently begun working with Cam Academy Trust
partner school, St Peter’s in Huntingdon, in using the Lexonik reading
programme to help boost the reading ages of children.
There is a highly evidenced correlation between reading ages and
GCSE grades and we want students to be able to access the best
grades possible through having the highest possible reading ages.
We are therefore selecting 24 students at a time and working with them
on the intensive six-week programme that helps them to decode words
at a faster rate and with greater accuracy.
The programme claims to accelerate reading ages by an average of 27
months in six weeks.
Our aim is to run this with the most in-need students to begin with. As
part of delivering this programme we are also working with Lexonik in
developing our teaching of reading and literacy across all subjects.
We will be focusing on giving students knowledge and skills in
decoding words and recognising how they can work out the meanings
of words from various sounds within them. We are looking forward to READING MATTERS: There is a strong correlation between reading
seeing the tremendous progress in reading ages that we are sure will ages and GCSE grades and Melbourn is committed to helping
be the result of our work with Lexonik. students have the highest reading ages possible.
8
Life in the fast lanes
MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

They say life comes full circle and, for Tom Jackson, an English
teacher at Melbourn Village College, that adage certainly rings true.
Here he recounts a decade-long journey from his time as a student
and former Head Boy at MVC to the heights of international
motorsport and how it's now led him right back to where it all
started.
Melbourn Village College has played a huge role in my life. From arriving as a
bright-eyed, fresh-faced student 13 years ago, it gave me the skills and the
confidence I needed to go and chase my childhood goal of becoming a Formula
One journalist.
The journey to that goal started at MVC and I was very fortunate to have achieved
it just four years after leaving the school. Finding myself wandering through the F1
paddock, interviewing the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, was a
very surreal experience. I couldn’t believe I was chasing the fastest sport on the
planet across Europe, reporting on every twist and turn along the way.
Alongside a stint working in motorsport management, marketing & PR, I decided
that I had enjoyed my fill of motorsport. When thinking of what could come next,
the idea of teaching first crossed my mind.
With nothing to lose, I took the leap and returned to MVC in September last year
— joining the school’s excellent Student Support Centre as a teaching assistant.
Coming back to MVC after eight years away took some getting used to. Like
stepping back in time, I was welcomed back by some familiar faces, saw the
Willow Lawn looking resplendent as it always has done and got to walk the
corridors I used to navigate from lesson to lesson.
A year later and I’m delighted to be completing my teacher training at the school.
Formula One may be fast but it certainly doesn't keep pace with a day in school.
No two days are the same, but each day is equally fulfilling and rewarding as I get
to teach and inspire Melbourn’s new generation of brilliant young minds in the
same way I was inspired during my tenure here.
Putting my own stamp on life at MVC, I relish the opportunity to lead our Sports
Journalism Club as one of our many extra-curricular activities at the school.
It’s great to see students share the passion for sports and writing and I’m very
grateful to share my knowledge and expertise with them as we write our own
sports stories and reports.
There is a pleasing circularity to it all. Coming to school every day and working
with our young people, helping them to grow in confidence as they navigate the
world of learning and growing up, is a real privilege and has vindicated my
decision to return to the school. There really is no place like MVC.

Rapper and MP agree on benefit of books

CAREER CHANGE: Tom Jackson has switched from motorsport journalism to teaching English at his old school, MVC.

Melbourn Village College hosted a winter reading
week earlier this month.
During this week we had a visit from the rapper
‘Formz’, who explained how positive behaviour
choices and polite and kind language can help
young people in becoming the well-rounded
leaders of tomorrow.
He also gave examples of the power of reading in
guiding his life choices and helping his mental
health.
Our students engaged fantastically well with this
and were a credit to the school; many have
already looked up and followed Formz via social
media platforms!
On Wednesday we hosted a pop-up bookshop
from Niche Comics, who sold a variety of books
to our students throughout the day.
Our students were, once again, incredibly polite
and engaged in the choice of reading brought to
the school; so much so that the bookshop
reported taking more money in the day than they
would in an ordinary day in the shop! It was great
to see students coming back at break, lunch and
after school to buy books.
Friday saw the school hosting the South
Cambridgeshire MP, Anthony Browne, who took
part in a question and answer session with some
of our students.
This was a fantastic opportunity for them to
engage with a politician who explained how
reading widely and having a good grasp of the
world around you can help you to be better
informed and therefore make better decisions
about your future.
The students have been excellent ambassadors
for the school throughout the week.

READING WEEK GUESTS: Rapper ‘Formz’, Niche Comics and South Cambridgeshire MP Anthony Browne.
9
Duo join Mandarin team
MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Melbourn is delighted to have two new Mandarin assistants working at the the challenges and opportunities of an ever-evolving global landscape.”
college this year to support the teaching of the Chinese language. Lindsay said: “Hello I'm Lindsay, coming to MVC from the eastern part of China.
The arrival of Adam Zheng and Lindsay Lai marks the sixth year of Melbourn Since I've always wanted to have a deep experience of British culture and
hosting CLEC teachers (formerly known as Hanban teachers) thanks to being part teaching, and also as I specialise in International Chinese Education, Chinese
of the national Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP). education in the UK appeals to me a lot.
They are two of 60 CLEC teachers in the UK this year and are providing “In July this year I happened to know about a partnership between Peking
extensive support to Melbourn, not only in the classroom but through various University and UCL (University College London) that offered the opportunity to
extra-curricular and outreach activities. work as a Chinese language TA in the UK, and so after a lot of hard work, I was
Mandarin has been a part of MVC's curriculum for more than seven years, with given the opportunity to come to MVC.
our MEP involvement beginning in 2017.
“I haven't been with MVC for long, but I have learnt a lot from my colleagues and
The teaching of Mandarin has evolved significantly, not only offering the MEP and
students around me.
GCSE Chinese courses, but also expanding to include A-Level classes at
“As we all know, education in China is very different from that in the UK. I used to
Comberton Sixth Form, which is also part of The Cam Academy Trust.
From Head of Languages Frank Fan working alone, it has developed into a team work in a junior school in China, and Chinese students are more introverted and
of three Chinese teachers and two teaching assistants. distant from their teachers, whereas at MVC the students are very outgoing and
Mr Fan said: We are extremely proud of the consistently outstanding results in enthusiastic, and the school takes into account the different requirements of
GCSE Chinese exams, solidifying our reputation as a leader in this field.” different students.
Adam and Lindsay are thrilled to be in England and have given some insights “Although I am still adjusting to these differences, I hope to have a great time at
below. MVC with the students who are learning Chinese.”
Adam commented: “In a bid to promote cultural
diversity and global language skills, MVC has
welcomed new additions to its faculty, two
Mandarin language assistants hailing from China.
“As part of an international exchange program, this
latest inclusion aims to enhance students'
understanding and proficiency in one of the world's
most spoken languages.
"I am honoured to join MVC and contribute to the
linguistic and cultural landscape of the institution.
“The assistant's role includes helping with
Mandarin language classes, engaging students in
conversations, offering one-to-one tuition and
HONOURED:
organising cultural events that offer insights into
the rich tapestry of Chinese traditions, customs, Adam Zheng
and values. feels privileged
"I am passionate about sharing not only the to be working at
language but also the essence of Chinese culture MVC for a year.
with the students.
“It's not just about vocabulary and grammar; it's
about understanding the history, traditions, and
contemporary life of China.
“In addition to language lessons, the Mandarin
assistants will also help with cultural festivals,
intensive learning weeks, and craftworks on
Chinese language and cultures to provide students
with a holistic understanding of the past, present
and future of China.
“The school's initiative in inviting Mandarin
language assistants reflects a broader commitment
to embracing diversity and nurturing global citizens APPEAL:
equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in an Lindsay Lai is
increasingly interconnected world. very interested in
“The introduction of Mandarin language classes is Chinese
a pivotal step in broadening students' linguistic and education in the

Students prove their commitment

cultural horizons, making them well-prepared for UK.

Six Melbourn students have passed the tough Chinese Proficiency Test in Programme.
Mandarin, giving the college its best results yet. The exceptional results place Melbourn among the top-performing schools
And one, Isla (11 Franklin), scored an in the UK within the MEP.
incredible 295 out of 300 in Level 3 of the Mandarin teacher Sijing Ni said: “Level 3 is an
HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) exam. impressive milestone in the HSK examination
The HSK is an international standardised system, and achieving it is no small feat. The
test designed to assess the proficiency outstanding scores are a testament to their
of non-native speakers. The six took the dedication, hard work, and commitment to
exam while in Year 10 but results only mastering the Chinese language. Our
came out this term. students' accomplishments in the HSK Level
Isla and the others who passed — 3 exam reflect their exceptional language
Matilda (11 Hawking), Maddie (11 skills and the dedication of our teachers in
Franklin), Allya (11 Newton), Alex (11 providing a high-quality Chinese language
Lewis) and Max (11 Franklin) — are part education. We are immensely proud of our
of the fast-track Mandarin Excellence students.”
OFFICIALLY PROFICIENT: Melbourn’s super six.
10
 MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Panto delights Year 7

FAMILY FORTUNES: The Goose family and their golden eggs. ANTICIPATION: Students can’t wait for the show to start.

On Thursday 7th December, Year 7 at MVC went
to the Cambridge Arts Theatre to see the
pantomime Mother Goose.
When we arrived, we went straight to our seats and
had to wait 30 minutes. The theatre was empty
because we were one of the first schools to arrive.
Everyone was on a school trip and we all saw people
that we knew from other schools.
The show started with the characters Fairy and
Demon talking on the stage, but the main character
Mother Goose wants to open her own bakery, but
she can’t afford it. Meanwhile Fairy and Demon each
try to influence Mother Goose with good and evil.
My favourite character was Sammy Goose because
he was funny. He is Mother Goose’s son and was
very interactive with the audience. I also liked Mother
Goose.
I really enjoyed going to the theatre with my friends. I
loved the fact that the performers interacted with the
audience - it was really fun and gave us the chance
and cream on stage and they all kept slipping over!
The dancing and music was good too.
It was a great day out! Willem (7 Lewis)
Head of Year Kelly Coghlan said: “The Year 7 pupils
and Year 7 team loved visiting The Cambridge Arts
Theatre to see Mother Goose, the cast were
engaging and had everyone laughing, singing and
dancing the whole way through.
Mother Goose and Sammy did shout-outs to all the
schools and MVC definitely were the loudest. A great

Seed drone plan aces ‘Dragons’ Den’

is Mother Goose, who lives with a goose called to be involved. time was had by all. (Oh no it wasn’t. oh yes it
Priscilla, who lays golden eggs and can talk! There was also a funny scene when they had cake was!’)”

The annual Enterprise Day event was held last month and involved all MVC
Year 9 students.
The format involved students designing and developing a business idea
under the guidance of experts from PA Consulting, a Melbourn business
consulting company.
Students worked in teams throughout the day which culminated in a
‘Dragons Den’ style presentation in front of the whole year. They were
quizzed on their ideas by the experts, who then chose an overall winner.
The theme was ‘The environment and sustainability’ and ideas ranged from
‘methane retaining underpants for cows’ (Moo-ey Vuitton!) to energy
recycling exercise bikes that powered your home.
The winners, Darwin’s Eliot, Bertie, Evaristo, Thomas, Henry and Charlie,
had the idea for seed-planting drones that would provide efficient farming.
Terry Brame, MVC’s Lead for Careers Education Information and Guidance,
said: “As usual, feedback from the day was that students enjoyed the
variation from lessons and that they learned something that they would
take with them far beyond their school days.

Reciting poetry in two tongues . . .

BRAINSTORMING: Year 9 students work on their business ideas Our visitors were impressed with the high level of engagement and quality
based on the environment and sustainability. of creative ideas.”

A Melbourn Year 11 student finished second
in a national Chinese-English bilingual
recitation competition.
Ruby (11 Newton) took runners-up spot in the
14-16 years final of the annual competition,
now in its second year.
Only 36 reached the finals across the five age
categories of a competition which attracted
entrants aged 6-30 as they recited poetry,
prose and personal stories in both languages.
Ruby, 15, had written her own poem in
Mandarin, called 海 (Sea), while her choice of
English poem was Rudyard Kipling’s If and
she performed brilliantly in last month’s final at
the University of London’s School of Oriental
and African Studies’ Djam Lecture Theatre.
Melbourn Mandarin teacher Sijing Ni, who,
with Head of Languages Frank Fan, was in
London for the final, said: “Her exceptional
performance in both the creation and recitation
of Chinese and English poems has earned her
second prize in her group. We take immense
pride in Ruby's achievements and hard work.”
As well as performing in front of a theatre full
of other competitors, family, teachers and
friends, there was a judging panel comprising
12 distinguished professionals from different
walks of life, including professors, authors, an
award-winning translator, a former curator of
the Chinese collections at the British Library, a
former deputy director of the Victoria and
Albert Museum and the editor of a Chinese
language magazine.
The event was initiated by Mothers' Bridge of
Love, a registered charity dedicated to building GROUP PICTURE: The competition finalists pose for
bridges between the East and West. the cameras.

11
A different way to learn
MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Year 10 students were given a new way to enhance their learning about the
American West.
During a special lesson earlier this month, students undertook a practice exam
question related to the Donner Party and the Oregon Trail.
This Oregon Trail was the safest route Americans took across the Native
American Plains from the East of America to the West, starting in Independence
Missouri and ending in Oregon and California. The Donner Party was a group of
White Americans who ventured away from the Oregon trail and fell upon less
favourable conditions, resulting in many deaths.
To make the learning experience more immersive and memorable, they created a
fast food favourite, the ‘Donner Kebab’ using ingredients associated with Native
American Food.
Linking the Donner Party and Donner Kebab is designed to help the students
retain the learning and to experience flavours that many Native Americans would
have had in their food at the time.
The students went through a step-by-step recipe and developed their own mini
kebab rolls, sliced them up, garnished them with salad, and placed them into flat
breads with their own mint yoghurt they created.
All together it was a very wonderful experience for the students which was fun
filled and educationally focused.
Three different classes undertook the one-period challenge in the Food
Technology rooms, where Zoe Millwood, Head of Art, Design and Technology,
and James Studart, Head of Humanities, supervised the cooking
challenge.
Ingredients were provided by the school and students were able to taste
their finished kebabs.
Izabel (10 Darwin) said: "The food was really good," while Charlotte (10
Hawking) commented: "The food tasted nice and it was a fun lesson
about what we are learning in history."
Mr Stuart said: “We believe that this hands-on experience will greatly
contribute to students’ understanding of the American migration west
along the Oregon Trail.
Students taking GCSE history are studying The American West from
1835-1895 and this includes looking at a range of issues, tensions and
rivalries between settlers and Plains Indians, ranchers and homesteaders,
the laws and policies that affected them as well as how those residing

School’s out for ‘Hedgy’

there lived and worked.

A disorientated hedgehog
round outside The Cabin
earlier this month was
carefully transported to a
safer environment by Year
11 student Ben.
He and Vinnie French, Head
of The Cabin, had found the
hedgehog — which was
named ‘Hedgy’ — looking
‘lost and scared’ at the start
of the school day.
It was taken to a safe area
at the back of the field to
MAKING MEMORIES: A history lesson in the kitchen to bring the continue its hibernation RESCUED: ‘Hedgy’ is returned
American West to life. preparations. to the hedgerow.

Are you thinking about a career in education?
We are actively recruiting Teaching Assistants to work
in several of our schools
We would particularly like to hear from you if you are
a parent or recent graduate or are looking to gain
experience of working in an area that provides tailored
support to students with an inclusive outlook.
The post of Teaching Assistant will offer excellent
opportunities for training and development in a Trust
that has professional development as a core value.
Positions available from 30 hours a week, term time
only.
We currently have vacancies in several of our primary
and secondary schools. To apply or obtain further
information, visit:
www.catrust.co.uk/key-information/vacancies

12
 MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

The wonders of science

THE APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE: Year 7 visited the Science Museum to see scientific ideas used to solve real issues.

Last month, 129 Year 7 students and 15 staff
visited the Science Museum in London to explore
some of the ways that scientific ideas have been
applied to real-life problems.
We heard inspiring stories about scientific
discoveries in medicine and the physical sciences,
watched spectacular demonstrations of physical and
chemical phenomena, and used authentic objects to
investigate some of science’s big ideas.
In one of the larger galleries, we explored some of
the iconic objects and stories that have changed the
world since the 18th century.
machinery in the 18th century, chemicals and
medicines in the 19th century, and genetics and
computers in the 20th century.
The scientific ideas behind those discoveries range
from the efficient use of energy resources in
transportation to an understanding of the nature of
electricity and electronics.
In another large gallery that was all about genetics,
we investigated some of the characteristics that
make humans such a successful species and
explored how our genetics and brain combine to
create our unique identities.
the ‘Wonderlab’ gallery and its live science shows,
demonstrations and huge range of interactive
experiences.
There were loads of opportunity to interact with real
scientific phenomena including lightning strikes,
forces on giant slides and travel through space under
a canopy of stars.
Our visit to the museum fuelled our students’
curiosity in science and maths, exposed them to
ideas about how science is applied to real-life
problems, and created memories that will last a

Exploring possibilities
These included steam locomotives and industrial Perhaps the most engaging gallery for students was lifetime. David Essien, Science Department

The STEMettes journey to PA Consulting for students in Years 7 and 8 was a

resounding success! Students immersed themselves in a dynamic environment that
fostered curiosity and exploration, providing a unique opportunity to dive into the
world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The trip was carefully crafted to be both interactive and educational. Students
participated in hands-on activities that showcased the wonders of renewable energy.
They also had the opportunity to interact with professionals at PA Consulting, who
shared their career journeys and insights. This exposure not only broadened the
students’ perspectives but also inspired them to consider exciting possibilities within
the STEM field.
STEMettes promotes Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM)-
related careers to girls, young women and young non-binary people.

Organisms must
CONSIDERING BIODIVERSITY: As Melbourn Science
Park is redeveloped.

be able to thrive GETTING STUCK IN: At

A group of our Year 7 students had a fantastic opportunity to see first-
hand the work being carried out by South Cambridgeshire Council
environmental officers in the redevelopment of Melbourn Science Park.
The students were taught about the importance of having high levels of
biodiversity in our environment, to ensure it is a healthy place for all
organisms to thrive in — and how it is measured by the scientists
working for the council.
As part of the redevelopment taking place at the science park, the
environmental officers recorded the biodiversity on site and what
measures needed to be put in place to protect the biodiversity that
already exists there.
The students heard about this journey from the people working on the
site and also how they aim to improve it when the building work is
finished.
The year 7 students also then had a number of mini games they could
take part in to help them understand the complexity of putting everything
in the correct place when managing projects such as this.
PA Consulting.
ROCK CHECKS: Pupils tested
reactivity with acid.
Rocks rock!
Dr Wilson recently visited Melbourn Primary
School to help support two KS2 classes (Squirrel
and Hedgehog) learning about rocks, with a
lesson called ‘Rocks, rock!’
The pupils were very excited to learn about the
Mohs scale for hardness and to be able to look
very closely at rock structure using hand lenses.
At the end of the session pupils were able to
check on reactivity of the rocks with dilute acid
— wearing their safety goggles of course!
We’ve got some very promising scientists in the
making. There will be further future visits to MPS
to help support our local schools.
13
Round-up of the latest news from the South Cambs SSP
Medals shared around
ON THE PODIUM: Melbourn had medalists in both the races for Year 4 pupils at the big schools cross-country competition.
Three Year 3 Barrington Primary School pupils came home with medals
from the South Cambs School Sport Partnership’s annual Small Schools
Cross Country competition at Milton Country Park.
And there were also podium finishes for a trio of Harston and Newton Primary
runners from across the ages.
Then, when the big schools gathered for their
competition at Wimpole Hall, three Melbourn
Primary School youngsters also returned with
medals as well as helping their team to runners-
up spot.
Barrington’s Isabelle won the one-mile girls’ race
with teammate Joni coming third, sandwiching a
competitor from Bourn Primary Academy.
For the boys, Hayden took silver behind William,
from Bourn, and ahead of Chester, from Barton.
There were eight races on the day – separate
events for boys and girls across Years 3-6 – and RUN IN THE SUN: Action from Wimpole Hall.
Harston & Newton picked up two of their medals in the Year 6 classes.
Harry was third in the boys’ race and Scarlet took silver for the girls. Their other There was also a bronze for Year 5 Jack, whose Year 5/6 team finished fourth
medal was a bronze from Daisy in Year 4.
There were also team competitions for those schools who entered pupils in every
category and Harston & Newton finished fourth in the combined Year 3 and 4
competition and sixth in the Year 5 and 6 one. Barrington were fifth and seventh
respectively.
There was also an excellent show from Thriplow, who were fourth in the Year 5
and 6 event. Foxton were the other Melbourn VC partner school involved.
Fun first taste of competitive football
Partnership Manager, Claire McDonnell, said: “It was great to be back at Milton
Fourteen teams took part in a fun afternoon of football aimed at introducing
new players to the game and giving them the opportunity to represent their
school in a friendly competition.
And Foxton’s youngsters showed they have the makings of a good team,
picking up the teamwork award, as judged by the other schools involved.
FUN FIRST: Pupils enjoy a football tournament for newcomers.
14
Country Park for one of our favourite events of the year.
“It was lovely to see so many schools and children taking part and there was
certainly lots of grit and determination on display as the children took on the two-
lap course. It’s always great to hear the children cheering and encouraging their
teammates as they come through to complete
their first lap before winding their way back
through the trees and round to the finish line.
“There were lots of great individual and team
performance on the day and it’s nice to see two
new schools (Bourn and Girton Glebe) winning the
event for the first time as well as other schools
managing to field a team in all of the races for the
first time.”
At the large schools’ event, run on the same
format, Melbourn’s Hannah took silver in the Year
4 girls’ race while Edward was third in the
equivalent boys’ class, helping the school take
second in the team competition for Years 3 and 4.
overall.
Meldreth runners also took part in the large schools’ event, fielding enough
runners to contest both team competitions and finishing mid-table.
Ms McDonnell said: “This is our biggest event of the year and a lot of planning
and organisation goes into it by the whole team but it makes it all worthwhile
when you see the smiles and enjoyment on the children’s faces and the sense of
achievement they feel. Lots of them today told us how they felt really happy and
proud of themselves and pleased to represent their school.”
Matches were 7-a-side with roll on, roll off subs and teams getting to play
against lots of different schools in quick seven-minute matches which were
expertly refereed by sports leaders from hosts Linton Village College.
The schools taking part included Histon & Impington Brook, University of
Cambridge, Dry Drayton, Coton, Histon & Impington Park, Bar Hill,
Barrington, Foxton, Linton Heights, Great Abington, Meldreth, Hatton Park,
The Meadow and Trumpington Park Primary Schools.
With the focus of the event being on providing an introduction to
competitive football in a really positive and fun environment, the results of
the matches were not recorded.
Instead the children were asked to score their opposition based on their
teamwork, fair play and their team/individual skill. These scores were then
collated and at the end of the afternoon awards were presented to the
Foxton, Linton Heights and Histon & Impington Park.
Claire McDonnell, South Cambs SSP Partnership Manager said, “It was
great to see so many boys getting their first experience of competitive
football and the opportunity to pull on the school kit and represent their
school.
“ It was a really positive and supportive environment with all of the children
getting lots of playing time.
“At the end of the afternoon a lot of the boys told us how happy and excited
the event had made them and one boy spoke about how ‘it changed my
mind because when I came, I thought I might regret, it but I loved it!’”
We are the
MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

champions
Melbourn’s newly-formed Year 7 rugby team are the best in the District
from a small school.
They beat Trumpington Community College 15-5, Parkside 15-10 and North
Cambridge Academy 25-15 to lift the trophy in the 12-a-side competition held
at Cambridge Rugby Club.
PE teacher Richard Barlow said: “Our tackling was really good and we gave
away very few penalties. Well done for making really good progress this

Coach sees positives in narrow defeats

term.” TOP OF THE CLASS: The Year 7 title winners.

Melbourn’s interest in this year’s English Schools national football
competitions is over — but they are still hoping to make an impact in this
year’s District and County cups.
The Year 8 team went out 3-2 to neighbours King James Academy from
Royston in the first round of the under-13 Playstation Schools Cup as they
introduced some new players to last year’s successful Year 7 squad.
PE teacher Richard Barlow highlighted Tyler’s great defensive performance,
Harvey for showing good footwork in midfield and Harry for scoring both
MVC goals and driving many of the attacks.
The team then came out on the wrong end of the same scoreline again
against fellow Cam Academy Trust school, Comberton Village College, in an
end-to-end match played in a good spirit and which was a great advert for
local football.
Leo (8 Franklin) put Melbourn ahead and then scored his second to make it
2-2, but they were undone by a speedy Comberton forward who netted what
proved to be the winner from a tight angle.
Despite this Mr Barlow was optimistic for another good year. “I'm really
happy with the intensity with which we played and some players put in
some really big performances but it just wasn't to be,” he said.
“Fingers crossed we can get another cup run going in the District Cup later
this year.”
The Year 10 team kicked off their under-15 Playstation Small Schools Cup
(for schools with fewer than 65 boys in the year group) with a 4-2 win over
Haileybury Turnford thanks to goals from Riley (10 Lewis) and Jacob (10
Lewis) in the first half and Lukas (10 Hawking) and Billy (10 Darwin) in the
second.

Leaders take
But their campaign ended in the second round with a 2-1 home defeat by St
WARMING UP: The Year 8s prepare to face King James. John’s Preparatory & Senior School from Enfield.

charge

Melbourn’s Year 10 sports leaders put their skills into

action as Melbourn Village College hosted their first
round of the Bee Netball competition for primary
schools.
They umpired and scored the matches in two divisions

Into the county champs

as an impressive number of schools turned out for an
event that guarantees a finals date in the spring for all
competitors.
That was despite the late withdrawal of Harston &
Newton and Trumpington, whose coach decided that
with so many more entries, the amount of netball
playing time left was not worth the trip to MVC!
Foxton go into the second round in March at the top of
Pool A, ahead of Meldreth, Barrington and Melbourn 1,
while Thriplow top the other pool from Foxton II and
Melbourn II.
Depending on where they finish after the local rounds,
all teams will play in either the A, B or Plate finals at
Impington Village College in April.
TEAM MVC: At the District Cross-
Country Championships.
Year 11’s Alex (11 Hawking) led some impressive
running at the District Cross-Country
Championships at Wimpole Hall.
On a cold December day, he bagged at top 16
finish to qualify for the County Championships at
Peterborough in the New Year.
From there, Cambridgeshire’s best go on to
represent the county at the Anglian Championships
with the regional qualifiers going on to contest the
national finals in the spring.
Despite the cold, all Melbourn’s competitors showed
great determination and achieved commendable
success.
Assistant Head John Barnes, also a PE teacher,
who accompanied the MVC team, said: “Their
performances exemplified their sporting dedication,
determination and commitment. Congratulations to
you all.”
15
MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

MELBOURN
SPORTS CENTRE news
AUTUMN REVIEW
It was a busy season for us here at MSC! In association with South Cambs District Council, we introduced a brilliant
new health and fitness scheme aimed exclusively at those suffering from higher BMI ± the Exercise4Fun programme.
7KLV KDV EHHQ D JUHDW VXFFHVV VR IDU DQG EHVW RI DOO LW¶V FRPSOHWHO\ IUHH We are always running our GP Referral
scheme as well, which is another highly effective way to get fit and healthy.
We had a bumper bag of half-term activities for children to enjoy, including our Ofsted-registered PlayScheme with a
seasonal Halloween theme, and a Swimming Crash Course. We also introduced a Rookie Lifeguard course, which
has proved very popular, and the students learnt water safety and the basics of becoming lifesavers, a fabulous skill.
Top Up swimming and Melbourn Village College were welcomed back to the pool after the half-term holiday.
We hope to see you all this winter for plenty of sports activities and challenges to keep you fit and well, and thank you
once again for your continued support.

DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH - A WINTER WONDERLAND AT MSC!

We have loads on offer for the winter season, with something for the whole community to get involved with and
enjoy«So why not come along and find out more about your local sports centre!
COME IN OUT OF THE COLD
:H¶UHQRWJRLQJWROHWWKRVHORQJZLQWHUQLJKWVVWRSXVIURPHQMR\LQJRXUH[HUFLVH$V well as our indoor facilities like
the swimming pool, squash courts and sports hall, we have loads of swimming classes to keep you fit and healthy
including adult lanes, female only sessions, Young at Heart swim and AquaFit. We also offer table tennis alongside
RXUQRUPDOLQGRRUUDFNHWVSRUWV$QGWKH\¶UH all reasonably priced, so the one thing that will stay plump is your purse!
PARTY TIME!
Looking to book a birthday or Christmas party? We have our traditional pool parties on offer or what about a football
party instead? All sessions run by a fully qualified coach. To help save the mess at home, we also have the adjacent
Community Centre available for bookings, which is an ideal room for you to have tea and cake/sandwiches after the
party.
ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
With Christmas fast approaching, LW¶Van ideal time to book your young ones onto our Ofsted Christmas PlayScheme.
We will also be taking bookings from January 2023 for our February half term activities which will include our
swimming crash course and our popular Ofsted PlayScheme.
THE PERFECT PRESENT!!
With Christmas just round the corner, keep your eye out for our gift promotion ± DIXQDQGILWLGHDLI\RX¶UHORRNLQJIRU
something different to buy a loved one or friend (or treat yourself!) Or why not take advantage of one of our great
membership schemes to our fitness suite, an ideal present for a loved one!
SPRING TIME
Along with all our normal activities, we will also be running another Exercise4Fun free health programme to start in
January, in association with SCDC. So, if you would like to be considered to join in and start the new year on a
healthy note, please check our website for full details.
We are also hosting the Swimathon once again in 2024, a great way to keep fit and raise money for Cancer Research
charities at the same time. For full details and registration, please visit our website.
For further details on parties, gift memberships or any of our activities, please drop in, call 01763 263313 or go online
at www.mc-sport.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you this season!

SWIMMING LESSONS
We still have plenty of spaces on our pre-school lessons, so for more details or to book a place then please contact
Graham or Robbie on 01763 263313.
Spaces still available for this term include:
x Junior lessons for Intermediate ± Advance standards / McSplash Swimming Club
x Waterplay (pre-school swimming lessons) are an ideal first step for your child learning to swim, with the aim
to build confidence in water, learning basic skills like floatation and movement using buoyancy aids.
Tuesdays: 13.25 ± 14.55 (30 min lessons) / Thursdays: 13.25 ± 14.55 (30 min lessons)
Fridays: 10.30 ± 12.00 (30 min lessons) Prices: £4.80 per lesson (paid termly)

Melbourn Sports Centre, The Village College, The Moor, Melbourn, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 6EF
01763 263313 / www.mc-sport.co.uk / info@mc-sport.co.uk

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