Celebrating Denefield Friday 12 February 2021 - Denefield School
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Celebrating Denefield Friday 12 February 2021
Celebrating Denefield
Dear parents and carers,
I hope you and your households are all well. Welcome to the final
newsletter before half term!
Parents’ Forum, 8 March – School Vision and Strategic Plan
Between half term and Easter the Senior Leadership Team and the
Trust Board will finalise the school’s vision and ethos statements,
and develop the school’s strategic five-year action plan. We would be
delighted to have input from all the school’s stakeholders. We will be
consulting with the Year Councils on 22 and 23 February and with
teaching staff on 1 March. It is very important that we get the views of
parents and carers too, and would like to invite you to a virtual
Parents’ Forum meeting on 8 March. Please keep that evening free;
further details will be issued after half term.
Live lesson survey
Firstly, I would like to thank the 396 parents and carers who responded to our survey on the quality
of our live lessons. The headline figures are that 99% of respondents said their children were able
to access the live lessons. 93% of children accesses the lessons on their own device. 92% of
parents and carers said the lessons were either good or outstanding. 86% of respondents said that
the quality of support offered to students was good or outstanding. This data supports the many
positive emails we have received from parents and carers and is a testament to the hard work not
just of teachers, but of support staff including the school’s IT team. We are now contacting those
parents and carers who requested extra support for their children.
Sixth Form Russell Group success and Apprenticeships
Three years ago, approximately 40-50% of Denefield sixth formers applied to university, and, of
those, 8% went on to the most competitive Russell Group universities. This year, 65% of our Year
13 students have applied to university and 47% of those have applied to Russell Group universities.
The vast majority of applicants have already received their first offers and many have received
several offers. Congratulations to all those students and thank you to the Sixth Form team for
their support.
The January deadline for university applications precedes the deadlines for applying for jobs and
apprenticeships, and the Sixth Form team are now working with those who have not applied to
university to ensure they secure valuable apprenticeships or employments. Please see detailed
information on apprenticeships later in this newsletter.
Year 11 Sixth Form Applications
We have received a very high number of applications to the Sixth Form, which is a reflection of the
positive, vibrant learning community that exists in the Sixth Form. Over the past fortnight, members
of the Senior Leadership Team, along with Heads of House, have interviewed every applicant. We
have checked their option choices to ensure they align with future university or career ambitions,
and that will meet the entrance requirements for the Sixth Form. We have also ensured that all
applicants understand the focused nature of sixth form study, the need for independent work, and
the expectation that sixth form students will get involved around the school. My colleagues and I
have been extremely impressed at how mature, organised and articulate our Year 11 students were
during these interviews and we look forward to welcoming these students as Year 12 in September.
Returning to school on 8 March?
The government will decide the week beginning 22 February whether schools will return on 8
March. We are very much looking forward to students returning as soon as it is safe for them to do
so. I have already intimated that there will be some important changes when students do return,
with new systems and behaviour expectations and processes put in place. I will write to parents and
carers with further details after half term.
In the meantime, I wish all Denefield students, as well as their parents and carers, a lovely
half term.
Mr E Towill MA (Oxon), Headteacher
Important dates… Diary dates – academic year 2020 – 2021 Monday 15 - Friday 19 February Half term Monday 8 March Parents’ Forum Thursday 25 March Y9 Parents Evening
Spotlight…
Celebrating our Curriculum…Psychology
This week we will be celebrating our Social Science Department. This
department teaches both Psychology and Sociology. This week the focus will
be on Psychology.
Psychology is one of the most popular A level subject choices for students
studying at our sixth form
One of the most common
questions that students ask
us is
‘What is Psychology?’
Put simply, it is the scientific
study of the human mind
and behaviour.
What do we study in Psychology?
Year 12 Year 13
Social Influence Schizophrenia
Memory Relationships
Attachment Forensic Psychology
Psychopathology Biopsychology
Approaches in Psychology Research Methods
Issues and Debates in Psychology
Psychology…
Get to know the team…
Mrs Kelly – Head of Department
Mrs Kelly joined Denefield School in September 2009 as
the sole teacher of Psychology and Sociology. Back then
she had tiny classes and a very small department. Look at
us now! Mrs Kelly loves teaching! Be careful not to get her
started talking about her favourite subject of Psychology!
Degree: BSc in Public Health, Masters in Public Health
and MSc in Psychology.
Favourite Psychology Topic: Biopsychology
Fun Fact: Mrs Kelly also has a love of family vacations.
This comes from the time growing up in USSR when
summer holidays included swimming in the Black Sea on
the shores of Crimea, to backpacking through the Siberian
Tundra; which was nearly her last holiday ever due to
being confronted by a wild bear! Maybe this is why she is
yet to take her family to Siberia, despite it being a breath-
taking place.
Mr Beard
Mr Beard has been working at Denefield since
2016. He is also Head of Langley House.
Degree: BSc Forensic Psychology and MSc in
Applied Forensic Psychology.
Favourite Psychology Topic: Offender profiling.
Before training to be a teacher Mr Beard worked
as a Senior Crime Analyst for the National Crime
Agency, helping the police catch serial killers and
serial offenders.
Hobbies: Loves to run, watching his beloved
Liverpool FC put up a terrible title defence, and
watching Joe Root plunder runs for England.
Psychology…
What do we study in Psychology?
Ye a r 1 2
Students are currently learning about obedience with Mr Beard. They have
examined the infamous and ‘shocking’ study conducted by Stanley Milgram.
They have also learned why people obey and whether some people have an
authoritarian personality.
With Mrs Kelly students are currently studying the topic of Abnormality,
discussing and debating what we call “normal” or “abnormal”. Does it have to fit
in the society’s views? Or does it have to be rare for behaviour to be called
abnormal? We dig deep into the possible cause of mental illnesses such as
phobias, OCD and depression and discuss the most appropriate treatments for
these mental health disorders. One of the students has commented that “this
stuff we are learning should be taught to everyone in school as it helps with
everyday life and not just exam questions”. And I couldn’t agree more!
Ye a r 1 3
Students are currently learning about offender profiling with Mr Beard and have
been working on case studies of infamous serial killers to see if they can identify
characteristics of an offender from crime scene analysis.
With Mrs Kelly students are currently studying Issues & Debates in Psychology
topics. Our Yr13 students continue on the nature v’s nurture argument, as well
as investigating the evidence to support or contradict the existence of free will
that influences (or not) our behaviour. We also are looking at different biases
Psychology has suffered in previous century, such as gender and culture biases
and how far we have moved on as a scientific discipline.
Psychology…
Phenomenal Psychology - Take a look at some of the fantastic work produced by our
psychologists over both periods of lockdown – a fantastic effort from them all.
Phenomenal Psychologists…
Year 12 Year 13
Amelie Emily
Scarlett Ella B
Ella B Josh F
Braidan Rhianna
Matt Jake
Megan
W e l l d o n e to all the above students for your consistently high level
of work and dedication to your studies – you have done brilliantly!
Recommended Reads/Watches (Appropriate for Sixth Form Only)
The Ted Bundy Tapes
Mindhunter
Stanford Prison
Experiment
Other news…
In honour of V a l e n t i n e ' s
D a y this half term, here is a small
selection of diverse romance reads
that Miss Lloyd recommends:
Unconventional If I Was Your Girl Evil Librarian
by Maggie Harcourt by Meredith Russo by Michelle Knudsen
Geekerella I Am Thunder Am I Normal Yet
by Ashley Poston by Muhammad Khan by Holly Bourne
You can find these books on the Sora App. Log in info can be found here
A short video user guide can be watched here
For regular book recommendations follow Denefield Library on Instagram
CHARITY ASSEMBLIES…
Each of the Deputy Heads
of House will be talking
about their favourite
charity in assemblies over
the coming weeks.
Last week, students in all year groups took part in an assembly led by Mrs
Hallows. Students were introduced to a charity called Whizz Kids.
This is a charity that aims to support all young people to become confident and
independent young adults, with a focus on those that need wheelchairs to do so. This
charity mirrors so many of our school character values and we hope that students were
able to take the time to reflect on their own experiences and learn more about other
people that deal with different struggles to lead independent lives.
Thank you to all of the students that participated.
Other news…
Leg 4…Croatia…Corfu
T h a n k y o u to all students and staff that have been logging their walk, runs and cycles! It’s
been really tough this past week with the weather getting a lot colder and with a few snow showers
around. On the plus side, the nights are getting lighter and Spring is just around the corner.
After Half Term we are moving into a competition vs other schools. So instead of year groups
competing against one another, we are now going to be competing as a school against others in
West Berkshire. So after Half Term we need to show our community spirit, come together and be
the best!
So far as a school we have managed an impressive 1716 miles, which means we have smashed
this week’s target of reaching Corfu by 200 miles, which is amazing.
Individual awards go to:
Best year group: Year 8 - 55km!
Year 7 walker: Harry L Staff runner: Miss Meyer
Year 8 cyclist: Max M Staff walker: Mrs Walters
Year 8 walker: Matthew H Staff cyclist: Mr Towill
Year 9 walker: Lily S
Year 10 walker: Lucy D
Year 11 runner: Zachary M
Our next stop is Athens in
Greece, which is 509km
away, get walking running
or cycling!
Apprenticeships…
The theme for this year’s apprenticeship week is Build the Future, aiming to encourage
everyone to consider how apprenticeships help individuals to build the skills and knowledge
required for a rewarding career. Teachers have been highlighting apprenticeships in their
subject areas. We have also been sharing online events, assemblies and workshops about
apprenticeships to relevant year groups via Show My Homework.
The apprenticeship landscape has changed significantly to encompass nearly every sector
in business. What is happening in the world of work related to apprenticeships:
• There are less ‘traditional’ apprenticeships available but more higher level
apprenticeships such as degree apprenticeships. Apprenticeships now range from
Level 2 (Intermediate), Level 3-5 (Advanced to Higher, A-level equivalent) to Level 6 or
7, which is a degree apprenticeship where you work with an employer and a university
to gain a specialist degree.
• Many industries are turning towards apprenticeships to ensure they train workers in the
specific skills they are looking for. For example, digital technology - with the Fourth
Industrial Revolution, fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics and nanotechnology
means there is a shortage of the specific skills required to work in these industries.
• COVID has had an impact on the job market and young people have been the worst hit
in Berkshire. However, the good news is that the county is well-placed to bounce back
due our proximity to London and Heathrow but also more resilient industries such as
science-based, business and professional services which are located in our area.
• The armed forces were all in the top 10 employers who recruited the most
apprenticeships last year. So was HMRI, the tax office! Other fields with high numbers
recruited were healthcare, customer service, retail, IT, business management and
social care.Apprenticeships…
What you can do to be prepared and get the
Apprenticeship you want:
❖Do your research.
Find out about the jobs you are interested in and how many there are available in your
area. If you are prepared to travel, are there jobs in other areas. Without demand on
the job market, there is unlikely to be apprenticeship opportunities.
Useful resource: https://www.lmiforall.org.uk/careerometer/
❖Be flexible.
Look at the subjects you like and find out about other fields that may be a good
option. Ask your teachers about other fields in their subject area.
Apprenticeship providers will be looking for what skills you have that will make you
excel at the role they are employing you for. Start building your skills and keep a
record of it.
Below is a list of skills that will be in high demand in the
future – think about how you are already developing these
skills and how you can do more.
HAVE A BACK UP PLAN – Sometimes you cannot find what you want right
now. That is OK. We rarely stay in the same job or field for our entire career.
Have other options planned – if you cannot get an apprenticeship now, what is a
good path to get there i.e. doing a course at college which can lead to an
apprenticeship, doing a more general course to give you more options or are
their jobs available where you can build your skills and experience?
SPEAK UP – if you need help, please speak to your tutor, house team or email
Mrs Jackson on JJN@denefield.org.uk
OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES:
• Denefield Careers Advice: http://www.denefield.org.uk/Learning/Careers-Advice-and-Work-
Related-Learning/Apprenticeship-Information-and-Vacancies
• National Careers Service: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx
• Amazing Apprenticeships: http://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/apprenticeship-pack/
• The Careers and Enterprise Company: https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/
• Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership Skills Priority Statement:
http://www.thamesvalleyberkshire.co.uk/skills-andemployment
• Berkshire Opportunities: https://www.berkshireopportunities.co.uk/Community Notices…
Music Maestros
Berkshire Maestros Half Term
Music Sessions
Berkshire Maestros want to give ALL
students the chance to access high quality
music education. As part of this, they run
holiday courses. This February half term,
they will be running a series of courses for
only £10! Some of these require an
instrument and a bit of musical experience
(perfect for those doing In2Music, Play On
or have just started lessons), some are for
more advanced students, and some are for
complete beginners, no experience or
instrument needed!
Click on the link below to find out more:
https://www.flipsnack.com/bmaestros/febru
ary-half-term-music.htmlCompetition time…
The future belongs to you. What do you want it to look like?
This is a chance for you to blend Geography and Art
to enter a national competition.
Creative Earth is an art competition for The UK is hosting COP26 in Glasgow
people aged 16 and under from across the in November 2021, bringing together
UK, run by the UN COP26 Climate Change world leaders to tackle climate change
Conference in collaboration with WWF. and ensure a better future for us all.
As part of the Together for Our Planet Enter the competition to be in
campaign, we’re inviting young people to get with a chance of having your
creative and show global leaders the world
artwork displayed at COP26 and
they want to live in.
show the rest of the world your
Whether it’s green forests and garden cities, vision for the future.
clear skies and wind turbines or oceans
teeming with life – we want you to paint,
draw or design a piece of art that shows how
you’d like our planet to look in the future.
HOW TO TAKE PART
• Download the Creative Earth template here
• Print the circle out and draw directly onto it, or edit the circle on your computer
using whatever software you like.
• If you don’t have a printer, you can simply draw a circle onto an A4 piece of paper
instead and use the digital template as a guide.
• All artwork must fit within the circle and include the colour green. Apart from
that, we want you to get creative.
• Use the template to create your vision of our future planet filled with what you
want and free from what you don’t want.
• Looking for inspiration? Want to read the terms and conditions? Visit their website
https://together-for-our-planet.ukcop26.org/creative-earth/
All entries must be sent to Mr McGiveron JMN@denefield.org.uk by Thursday 25
February 2021. (Please include your full name and year group in the subject bar and
copy your art teacher so they can see the work you produce!)
GOOD LUCK!Family challenge… Paula Radcliffe and the Events of the North team have adapted the essence and concept of Paula's Families on Track into a school holiday activity for Berkshire. A simple challenge that complements the work of the School Games across all school age groups. WHAT IS FAMILIES ON TRACK? This is a concept devised by Paula with the aim of offering an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a safe, fun and competitive activity as a unit together. HALF TERM FAMILIES ON TRACK – PAULA'S TW0-15 CHALLENGE In a nod to her former World Record Marathon time of 2 hours 15 (25 secs) Paula will challenge children and their families to complete a MINIMUM of 2 hours 15 minutes of exercise TOGETHER across the week of half term. Watch Paula inviting you to join her TWO-15 Challenge HERE We would love you to share your activities with us on social media Twitter: #TWO15Challenge @BerkshireGames @familiesontrac1 Facebook: Families on Track Instagram: familiesontrack Note: Please ensure that you are following the rules when it comes to age restrictions on social media. Photos/Videos must be shared from an appropriate account. It is strongly advised that content is shared from a parent/carer's account, or from a school account with parental permission. FOR MORE INFORMATION & ALL THE DETAILS PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE FLYER HERE or visit the Get Berkshire Active Website (here) THEWINNERS All schoolswho take part will receive aPaula’sTWO-15 challenge Digital Participation Certificate signedbyPaula Wewill recognise schools with the highest percentage of families taking part with aspecial edition digital PaulaRadcliffe Spirit of the GamesAward Thewinning schools (Special, Primary and Secondary) will be determined by the one who hasthe greatest engagement from pupils and their families Our winning schools will receive aunique VIRTUAL Visit from Paula during the next term of school!
Other news… Covid-19 safety on a page
Other news… Covid-19 information from Public Health England
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