Weekly Message 217 – 1 March 2024
29th February 2024
A huge well done to all Year 11 pupils who have been sitting their mock examinations this week, their last formal practice in the examination rooms ahead of the final exams in the Summer Term. Pupils have risen to the challenge, and they have followed the instructions of our team of invigilators impeccably. The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) set the rules and regulations for the administration of the exams, so this rehearsal is as much about making sure pupils are clear about these rules as sitting the exam itself; we explain to pupils that we do not want any of them to compromise their grades by not meeting the rules. We seek parents’/carers’ support with this and ask you to revisit the information shared with you from Mrs Salt (Head of Year 11) dated 6 February 2024.
There are a few more exams to take place at the beginning of next week as well as some In-Class Assessments. Teachers have begun marking, standardising and moderating in order to provide valuable feedback to pupils and they look forward to meeting with parents and carers on Tuesday 26 March 2024 for the Year 11 Parents’ Subject Evening.
‘The Standard You Walk Past Is the Standard That You Accept.’
The school continues to focus on standards and expectations which we place in very high regard; often cited by parents/carers as a contributory factor in the determination of Cams Hill School as the school of choice. Pupils meeting standards, following instructions, and considering their actions towards others maximises learning time in the classroom for all and prepares pupils for adult life.
We expect all pupils to wear the correct school uniform and be equipped; sanctions will be applied when we are presented with inconsistency. We are grateful to parents/carers who support their children to meet this expectation – this leads to interactions between pupils and teachers that are positive and solely focused on teaching, learning and development.
Dry Ski Slope Lessons
Friday 23 February and Friday 1 March saw our intrepid skiers start their preparation for the upcoming ski trip to Austria. Twenty-three pupils last week and eight this week have taken to the dry slopes for a beginners’ lesson.
The weather conditions last week were much more favourable, but all pupils had a great time and learned the basics to get them started on the Austrian slopes in a few weeks’ time.
Blood Brothers Theatre Trip
Friday 23 February and Friday 1 March saw our intrepid skiers start their preparation for the upcoming ski trip to Austria. Twenty-three pupils last week and eight this week have taken to the dry slopes for a beginners’ lesson.
The weather conditions last week were much more favourable, but all pupils had a great time and learned the basics to get them started on the Austrian slopes in a few weeks’ time.
Years 8 & 9 Netball
On Wednesday, the Year 8 and 9 Netball teams played against Crofton School and both teams were awesome.
The Year 9 pupils played the first quarter in their usual positions and were 10-1 up by the end of the first quarter so they were moved out of position to try out new combinations. Their final score was 15-1. The Year 8 pupils also played a fantastic game and won 14-3. Cams Hill netball teams rock!
Unformed Services Visit from Hampshire Police
This week the Uniformed Services pupils had a visit from Hampshire Police to talk about their roles and responsibilities. The pupils spoke to our visiting expert on life in the police force and were able to get their hands on some police equipment. The pupils enjoyed the experience and learned so much. Our thanks to Hampshire Police for giving their time to our pupils.
Opportunities that Studying a Language can Provide
International human rights lawyer for children and interpreter Gloria Vessey spoke to Year 9 in assembly this week about the opportunities that studying a language can provide. It was interesting to find out about her experiences in different professions and the idea of breaking the glass ceiling and what you can achieve when you don’t set yourself limits. Pupils were surprised to find out that you don’t have to be fluent to use your languages in your chosen profession and how useful an additional language is in all professions, not just teaching and translating. Thank you to Gloria for coming to spend time with our pupils.
Pi Day House Challenge
Science House Challenge – Deadline 18 March 2024
The organisers of British Science Week have set a poster challenge competition, aimed at pupils aged 11-14. The theme this year is ‘Time’. Pupils could create a poster showing how a certain type of technology has changed over time, or even the advancement of time-telling technology itself.
The top 5 entries from Cams Hill School will be sent to British Science Week with a chance to win some prizes.
Pupils are asked to email their entries (photographs/documents) to Mrs Parson by 18 March 2024 or hand in paper copies to any member of the Science team. Good luck and we very much look forward to seeing pupils’ efforts.
Geography House Challenge Results
We received a phenomenal 275 designs from pupils in response to the Geography House Challenge, so it has been really hard to select the winners. Each of these entries received 10 house points – well done!
One winner has been selected for the design of our new Geography Legend badges. Five other entries have been selected for our postcard designs.
The winners are:
Joint 1st Place: 100 points for Invincible – A Hewitt (Year 10)
Joint 1st Place: 100 points for Victory – I Hutchings (Year 7)
2nd Place: 75 points for Warrior – C Stanning (Year 10)
3rd Place: 50 points for Illustrious – A Sharma (Year 7)
Joint 4th Place: 25 points for Warrior – O Ewen (Year 7)
Joint 4th Place: 25 points for Endeavour – J Beale (Year 8)
Statistics
House Points Averages per Pupil for This Week
Year 7 7.65 points
Year 8 5.23 points
Year 9 13.52 points
Year 10 5.61 points
Year 11 1.59 points*
* Year 11 mocks this week
MathsWatch and Educake
These are two online resources that we expect pupils to be accessing routinely with homework set by teachers and independently to support their progress in Maths, Science and other subjects. We ask parents to check in with their child to see whether they are accessing these resources routinely and to encourage best use of them.
MathsWatch
Average number of questions answered per pupil this week
Year 7 6.15 questions
Year 8 6.17 questions
Year 9 6.39 questions
Year 10 5.67 questions
Year 11 24.23 questions
Highest number of questions answered by one pupil this week
Year 7 65 questions
Year 8 94 questions
Year 9 38 questions
Year 10 43 questions
Year 11 238 questions
Not all Maths homework is set on MathsWatch, which is likely to affect the averages.
Educake – Science
Average number of questions answered per pupil last week
Year 7 25.91 questions
Year 8 20.96 questions
Year 9 38.30 questions
Year 10 55.96 questions
Year 11 98.63 questions
Highest number of questions answered by one pupil last week
Year 7 248 questions
Year 8 176 questions
Year 9 415 questions
Year 10 882 questions
Year 11 979 questions
Menu
Next week we will be featuring:
- Loaded fries on the Chefs Pod (Wed/Thur)
- NEW Big Breakfast Friday!!!
Top Tips for Supporting Children who are Experiencing Bullying