Bullers Boys Bulletin - bwsboys.org€¦ · the Girls’ School production of a Little Shop of...
Transcript of Bullers Boys Bulletin - bwsboys.org€¦ · the Girls’ School production of a Little Shop of...
Bullers Boys Bulletin
February 2020
Message from the Headteacher
School Holidays
February Half Term
Monday 17th to Friday 21st February 2020
Friday 28th February 2020
School closed for INSET Day
Easter Holidays
Monday 6th to Friday 17th April 2020
Year 8 Parents’ Evenings 4—7pm
Thursday 5th March—Cruwys and Wells
Thursday 12th March—Cheung and Darwin
Thursday 19th March—Bowie and Kureishi
Welcome to the first edition of our Bullers’ Boys’
Bulletin (BBB). This replaces our half termly news
email. I hope it provides you with a flavour of
some of the things we have been up to this half
term.
We are pleased to announce that our permanent
building is on track to be completed on time. This
means that as long as winter and spring remain
relatively mild, we should be able to move into
our new school in January 2021. As the months
progress, we will provide you with more exact and
detailed information.
It was a delight to see a number of our boys
performing in, as well as operating ‘Audrey II’ in
the Girls’ School production of a Little Shop of
Horrors on Tuesday night. As always, it was a
fantastic production, thoroughly enjoyed by an
audience of parents, staff, Governors and
Trustees. We look forward to increasing our
participation in future joint Music, Drama and
Musical Theatre events.
Please ensure that during the half term break,
you top up your School Gateway account so that
funds are available from Monday 24th February.
This will allow your son to purchase breakfast, a
snack at break and lunch if he wishes. When
topping up your account, please make certain
that funds are uploaded in plenty of time as it
sometimes takes a couple of hours for your
funds to show at the tills. In future, if your son
has insufficient funds on his account, he will be
provided with a simple sandwich at lunch time.
Drinking water is available from one of the two
water fountains in the building. Porridge is also
served free of charge at breakfast time. If you
have any issues, please contact
Although the School day ends at 2:20pm, boys
often remain behind to attend clubs, fixtures,
socialise with their peers or see members of
staff. Teachers can also keep students behind
after school for short detentions for up to 20
minutes without advanced notice. Therefore, we
advise parents and carers to allow at least 20
minutes after the end of the school day before
contacting the Office to enquire about their son’s
whereabouts.
We wish you an enjoyable and safe half term
break and look forward to seeing your sons on
Monday 24th February at 0745.
Ms Gouldthorpe, Headteacher
As you know we spent much of the first term
raising money for the purchase of VR equipment
to use in lessons to give students a really
immersive educational experience. We set
ourselves a challenging target of raising £10k.
We were thrilled that the initial fundraising
through the Rocket Fund site helped raise
£5000 towards our final target. We would like
extend our thanks to all who donated to this
appeal and we are now looking at the next phase
of fund raising to bring us even closer to our
target. If you would like to donate, please send a
cheque made payable to Bullers Wood School.
The purchase of VR equipment will allow us to be
at the cutting edge of educational delivery.
Mr Walter, Head of Humanities
Virtual Reality
Travel Ambassadors visit TFL
The school Travel Ambassadors met for the first
time with the TFL representative in school on
Monday 20th January to decide on the school
focus for the year in relation to travel. After
some robust discussion they decided that we
should focus on the theme of active travel. On
Friday 24th January the 12 travel ambassadors
attended the STARS secondary seminar at the
TFL buildings in central London. They spent the
day with other schools from Bromley and Bexley
developing their campaign to increase active
travel across the school. At the end of the day
the team had to give a presentation in front of
the other schools and a panel of industry
experts. This they did with great confidence and
clarity. The team showed an ability to work
collaboratively under tight time constraints and
were a real credit to the school.
Watch out for more information during the year
as the team launch their campaign for active
travel including drop a stop timing maps and
competitions for increasing the amount of active
travel.
Mr Walter, Head of Humanities
Attendance Rewards
If a student is not in school, or into school late,
they cannot access the full curriculum and
struggle to maintain and manage positive
relationships with their peers.
Students and their families have a responsibility
to work with school to ensure high levels of
attendance & punctuality.
To promote and celebrate high levels
of attendance we have a number of
reward trips. Each term there is a trip
for all boys with 100% attendance, for
that term, and good behaviour. At the end of the
autumn 70 successful boys were invited on a
cinema trip.
For any student who maintains at least 98%
attendance over the year will be invited to a
Thorpe Park trip during the summer term. This
again is dependent on good behaviour. We
hope to be able to invite a large number of boys
to attend Thorpe Park.
Mr Walker, Assistant Headteacher
1. Watch and listen to the various programmes on the BBC (TV and radio)
commemorating the 70th anniversary of the death of the author George Orwell.
2. Download and listen to the podcast series: In Our Time (BBC Radio 4). An in depth
look at an eclectic range of historical/cultural subjects through the ages. One subject is
examined in detail in each podcast every week.
Further independent challenges for English
The new year started with Inter House football
which was hotly contested by around 160 boys
across both year groups. Further Inter House
events are to follow including Rugby and Table
Tennis. Bowie won year 8 and Cruwys won year
7.
Rugby and Football fixtures are progressing with
a mixed degree of success with lots of students
making their debuts in recent games. At the
time of writing twenty seven fixtures have been
played with some falling by the wayside due to
the poor weather we’ve had at times.
Boxing, Tennis and Squash coaching sessions
have continued with a good uptake in all of
them. I was delighted to take eight boys to the
squash tournament just after Christmas and for
them to achieve what they did. However, I must
also thank team two who were brilliant support
for team one on the day despite not having
success or any luck on the day themselves.
PE lessons have been great with students
partaking in Table Tennis and Fitness sessions.
Most students have pushed themselves hard
during lessons and some have even complained
that they ache the following day!
Lastly please can all students make sure they
are wearing trainers in PE. No student should
have football boots for any lesson only fixtures.
I hope you will come an support the Bullers
Wood Sport Relief Mile on the 13th March. It
would be good to get as many people running as
possible. We aim to start the run at 4pm.
Mr Collins, Head of PE
PE News
Mr Jackson,
Head of English
Notification of major gas works from Southern Gas Networks
Southern Gas will be upgrading its gas network
in Chislehurst. The project involves the
essential replacement of old metal gas mains
with new plastic pipe.
The project commences on Friday 14 February
and is expected to last approximately 4
weeks. Engineers will be working at the junction
of Elmstead Lane and White Horse Hill. To
ensure everyone’s safety, they will need to close
the entrance to Elmstead Lane at this junction
for approximately 10 days. Traffic will still be
able to exit Elmstead Lane towards Mottingham
Road, William Barefoot Drive and White Horse
Hill.
At the same time, they will close the left-hand
lane in White Horse Hill towards the junction of
Elmstead Lane. This closure will remain in place
for the entire time of the 4-week project.
Diversions will be in place and the bus
companies have been notified, it is advisable to
check with the bus company for any bus stop
and route changes.
Please share this information with anyone you
think may be impacted by our work. Information
will be updated https://www.sgn.co.uk/our-gas-
works
On Friday 17th January, Bullers Wood School for
Boys went to the Kent Schools Squash
Championships at Mote Park Squash Club,
Maidstone. We have been attending the extra
curricular squash club on a Tuesday night and
also play outside of school so this was a good
opportunity for us to show our skills.
When we arrived we saw all the other schools,
they all looked taller than us which made us feel
pretty nervous. We were entered into the junior
section and had four other teams in our
group. There were eleven schools in the
tournament. Eventually we got the times that we
had to play and Sevenoaks School was our first
o p p o s i t i o n ; t h e y w e r e a s o l i d
team. Unfortunately, we lost our first game on
countback, as in terms of the number of games
won it was a draw. This was a blow as it was our
first game and only the top two would qualify.
We then played Maidstone Grammar and
Wilmington Grammar School and beat both of
them quite convincingly.
We then had a really tense semi final but came
through it and after many hours of sweat, we
were through to the final. We were playing
Sevenoaks again! The games were really tough
even more so this time. We lost the first game 2
– 0. However, we won the third game 2-1 and
then the second game 2-0. We were now
winning by 4-3 with one final set of games to
come. It was the best of three games. The final
game was between myself vs Sevenoaks Number
1. The game was tense and nerve racking, our
hearts were racing and both teams were
cheering on overlooking the court. We won the
first game 11-7 to put us 5-3 up on
matches. The next game Sevenoaks
won. Therefore, the overall score was now 5-
4. Basically if we won the next game, we would
be Champions.! We suffered a setback when I
was wacked in the face by the ball. Our hearts
were all beating but I was dominating 6 –
1. However, the nerves got to me and very
quickly; the score became 6-6! It was first to
nine and the final point was agonising for both
teams and seemed to go on for ages. Eventually
the Sevenoaks player made a mistake and
B u l l e r s B o y s w o n t h e K e n t
Championship. Everyone was dancing around
even Mr Collins!
The trophy was given to the boys.
On the way, back we were cheering and
singing. It was a very good day and we would like
to thank Steve Franks our squash coach on
Tuesdays after School and Mr Collins for taking
us.
Leon Anand Year 8
Squash
A website that ‘provides guidance, learning
resources and moral support for parents of
dyslexic children.’
http://www.defeat-dyslexia.com/
Useful website
Students in Year 7 were able to bring history to
life this January, with the Medieval Day
experience. Expert Peter Balanak visited the
school to run two workshops, which allowed the
students to examine artifacts and try out
replicas of everyday items like a quill and ink
and children’s games, while they enjoyed
dressing up in armour.
Medieval day was very interesting because we
got to look at and touch historical objects such
as battle horns, armour and replicas of toys and
games. We also got to weave our own wool
using a hook on a wooden stick. The workshop
leader showed us how he could make coins out
of copper using a hammer. There was also a
weapons table where we were sadly not allowed
to touch the swords!
Joseph Suker Year 7
This was a good way of telling students about
what it was like to live during Medieval times.
There were examples of the type of clothes worn
in the Middle Ages that we were able to try on.
There was a helmet made from metal, which
was heavy, and one made out of chain mail
along with tough leather armour. It was
fascinating to see weapons like a
knife, longbow and giant sword that
had been dug up by archaeologists.
Eren Askit Year 7
‘We all tried on crowns jewellery and chain mail.
We also played games that children in medieval
times would have played. Personally this
experience was good because I learned a lot of
different things which have helped me in my
history classes.
Adam Kaba Year 7
Medieval Time Travel
Inter House Football
It was 6 forms, 1 trophy!
Who would win? It was group stages and 2
groups, 2 teams would go out. Group 1, Cruwys,
Bowie and Kureishi. Group 2, Wells, Chung and
Darwin. The teams that went home early were,
Chung and Bowie they did really well but didn’t
make it through to the semi finals. The teams
playing each other were, Cruwys vs Wells and
Darwin vs Kureishi, each team put their heart
and soul into this game, but only one could go
through. The games went to penalties! Cruwys
and Kureishi were victorious. The final Cruwys
vs Kureishi, the underdogs vs the favourites, but
only one could win! Pouring down with rain, 1-0
to Cruwys! They were champions!
Fletcher Hegarty Year 7
"Inter House football is a competitive tournament
between all forms. Split into 2 Groups, our form
had tough competition. First match was lost to
an unlucky own goal, we remained positive and
won our second match and were then successful
in reaching the quarter finals. With high hopes, a
very tight game saw us get progressively better
and winning, eventually make the Final against
the reigning Champions.
At no point could I relax. I felt tense as we went 2
-0 up, but saw some of the team become
complacent, losing focus and we conceded!
What a wake up call! A few subs and positional
changes saw us score again to win 3-1! My most
enjoyable moment was hearing Sir blow the final
whistle and then celebrating with my team
mates.
Thanks to everyone for their support and
understanding when I had difficult decisions to
make and well done to All of the players for a
fantastic effort.
Bobby Burman Year 8
Year 8 students were left challenged by a visit
from Protection Approaches on the 8th January
as part of the remembrance of the 75th
anniversary of the Holocaust.
The whole of Year 8 took part in the day which
commenced with an assembly in the morning.
This encouraged students to reflect on how we
might learn from events in the past so that we
can prevent them happening again in the future.
Each group then took part in a 50 minute
workshop looking at tolerance and remembering
past persecution as well as highlighting some
more recent events such as those in Rwanda.
At the end of the session students were
encouraged to make a personal pledge to make
the world a more accepting and inclusive place.
The day was then linked to a follow up art project
for Year 8 designing memorial flames to
commemorate the 75th anniversary of the
Holocaust. The art work will be displayed around
the school and will be judged by the Protection
Approaches team with certificates and prizes
awarded for the most thought provoking and
clear pieces of art.
Mr Walker,
Head of Humanities
Holocaust Memorial Workshops
As a school we are preparing for the introduction
t he n e w Rela t io n sh ip s a nd Se x
Education curriculum in September. Whilst RSE
is something schools have taught for many years
the content of the curriculum has increased in
recent years to reflect the growing inclusiveness
and diversity of society, and sadly reflect the
challenges many young people face as they
move towards adulthood and form relationships.
The role of parents in helping young people
navigate the changes their bodies and emotions
go through cannot be underestimated. However,
we are aware many parents find these
conversations with their children difficult. Below
are a number of websites and articles you may
find helpful when it comes to approaching these
important topics:
Talking to children about sex and relationships
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/educat ion -
41552666
How to talk about sex education with children
h t t p s : / / w w w . t h e g u a r d i a n . c o m /
lifeandstyle/2018/dec/29/how-to-talk-about-
sex-education-with-children
Out Spoken Education
Resources and advice tailored for parents to talk
to their children
https://www.outspokeneducation.com/
Talking about relationships and sex
Reading Texts for English after half term
Please make sure your son has a copy of the relevant reading book for next term:
Year 7— Wordsworth Edition of The Tempest by William Shakespeare
Year 8—Wordsworth Edition of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
Silent reading room is now open at lunch times on Thursdays and Fridays in F3. Boys will
need to eat their lunch before they arrive.
In D&T this year we have been learning about
mechanical toys and linkages, we have been
designing, sawing and painting.
Last year we were unable to do woodwork and
painting due to the temporary accommodation at
1 on Westmorland Road. We were able to do
some food tech and perspective drawings.
We made our models out of card and saw how
the mechanisms worked, the prototype worked
for most of us.
We also learnt about health and safety, wood
theory and the importance of prototypes.
Elliot Melrose Year 8
Student Quotes
“I really enjoy doing practicals instead of written
work. I love this practical because it has
introduced me to many new tools such as; the
coping saw, sandpaper and files. Also, this has
truly inspired me to become an Engineer as I
really enjoy this and would love to do this when I
am older.”
Jai Matoo Year 8
“I really enjoyed this project because it was fun
and I learnt how to cut wood correctly and safely
which could help me later on in life. Whilst doing
this project, I used a power drill, a coping saw,
files and sandpaper. These helped me to make a
successful toy which will give me confidence to
make larger mechanical wood toys and other
woodwork. I developed my skills by persevering
and soldiering on even if I made any
mistakes. This project taught me how
to develop skills I never thought I had
and will help me to get a job like a
carpenter or engineer. This is the best thing we
have ever done in D&T and I hope for more
practicals like this.”
Harry Smith Year 8
“This term I was really looking forward to using
the coping saws because I have waited all of
Year 7 to do some practical work. This term I
used the coping saw, a sander and some filers. I
have learnt many things about softwoods and
hardwoods. I have also learnt about safety. It
was really fun because it was a new experience.
The first time I used the tools I was a total novice
but now I am developing my skills and I am
getting gradually better at using them. I
developed my skills by asking other people their
own opinions about how they were doing the
work”
Tosin Adedokun Year 8
Design and Technology
Free check-up for your bike
Get a free MOT for your bike from fully qualified
mechanics at one of the DR BIKE Events. They
will inspect your bike and fix minor faults such as
brakes, chain, cables, gears and tyre pressure.
They can also advise you on correct saddle height
and help to fit your cycle helmet correctly.
See their website for upcoming dates: https://
www.bromley.gov.uk/info/200123/cycling/434/
cycle_maintenance/2
Year 7 and 8 have had an excellent start to
2020, having come back from the Christmas
break refreshed and ready to learn.
One highlight of the half term so far has been the
attendance and punctuality rewards trip to see
Spies in Disguise at the cinema. The boys on the
trip were a real credit to the school and serve as
great examples for others in the school. All
students are eligible for a similar trip after
Easter, as data will be counted from January 6th;
as long as they are in school every day for this
term, they will be invited to attend!
We have seen the start of our inter-house
competitions this half term, with football and
chess both being hotly contested - well done to
those houses who were crowned champions!
There will be more inter-house competitions
coming up in the future and we like all boys to be
involved as much as possible.
The school's student voice representatives have
been working hard behind the scenes to improve
different aspects of the school. Our eco reps took
a trip in to London to investigate travel. The
sports captains have been exploring what inter-
house events they want to see happen and
student council members have been busy
thinking of ways to raise money for this years
chosen charity, Prostate Cancer UK.
Two Year 7 form groups have completed their
year group assembly since January. 7 Bowie did
theirs on knife crime, its dangers and
consequences, and 7 Kureishi did theirs based
around the Charity Toilet Twinning. Similarly,
every Year 8 tutor group have also presented an
assembly to the rest of their year group covering
a different range of interesting and relevant
topics. All assemblies were very professionally
presented by the students and those who were
not involved on the day did lots of work behind
the scenes in preparing presentations etc. We
look forward to seeing more presentations like
this from our talented students.
Finally - please can all students return to school
with the full quota of correct, essential
equipment. A list of this can be found on the
school website. Lending out equipment to
students who have missing equipment takes
away valuable learning time which could be far
more productively spent.
Have a safe and enjoyable half term.
Miss Robins, Head of Year 7
Mr Thornton, Head of Year 8
Message from Head of Years
Support for Families