Work hard. Be brave. Believe in yourself - Park House School
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Work hard.
Be brave.
Believe in yourself...
The Headteacher’s ‘Living the Values’
Award, introduced in 2012 as part of the
school’s Legacy commitment to the
Olympic and Paralympic Values, was this
year presented by England Rugby World
Cup star Heather Fisher to Ben Marshall.
See pages 4-7 for more
outstanding prize winners!
1
Work hard. Be brave. Australian Rugby Legend Campo
Believe in yourself... entertains students and rugby fans alike
David Campese, or Campo as he is lovingly
Work hard. Be brave. Believe in yourself. The core values of our inspirational Prize Giving Speaker Heather
Fisher (see pages 4-7) resonate throughout this wonderful winter edition of Personal Best. referred to by his fans, still holds the record for
the most Australian international tries scored
In the shared celebration of our ex-Year 11 students’ record-breaking achievements in their GCSE examinations last (64) and he joined us on 12 November for
summer, but also more widely in the incredible range of activities, opportunities and successes enjoyed by our young some coaching and another of our Rugby
people over the past term. These are, as you will see, evident both within and indeed well beyond our school Legends evenings – a night of lively
community. Please now enjoy reading more about how the values and qualities exemplified by our amazing students discussion, banter with the opportunity for
define so much of what they do, in so many different ways. • Derek Peaple, Headteacher
questions and answers followed by selfies.
Guests enjoyed a buffet at Newbury Rugby Club’s
Kickers Bar and an opportunity to bid for unique
sports memorabilia. The event, which was
co-organised by Park House and the Club, raised
funds to go to further developing grass roots rugby
at the school.
Prior to the evening Campo coached the next
generation of players at Park House in a series of
‘masterclass’ sessions.
We are already the alma-mater of a number of
high-performing rugby players including England
internationals Tom Croft and Jonathan Joseph, and
international age-group players such as women’s
rugby players, Cerys Cox and Cara Brincatt.
Alongside our ongoing partnership with Lewis
Moody’s Mad Dog Rugby Academy the event has
further inspired the growth of rugby talent.
Students are now able to follow traditional
qualifications whilst benefitting from professional
rugby coaching. However, ever keen to offer
students the best opportunities, funds raised from
the evening will contribute towards supporting
further grass roots growth and opportunities at the
school. • Derek Peaple
David Campese opens refurbished sports facilities
David Campese very kindly joined us in school ahead of our Rugby Legends evening on 12 November to open our newly refurbished
sports hall, heating, changing and toilet facilities. The colourful, commemorative plaque was designed and produced by our superbly
talented A Level students.
Synergy Construction and Property Consultants helped the school gain £750,000 in funding the refurbishments which were put in place with main
contractors Woodland Commercial Ltd. The new facilities emphasise our ongoing commitment to sport and exercise as an essential part of our students’
health and wellbeing and will offer external clubs and community groups the chance to let our fantastic facilities. • Derek Peaple
Park House School
A Leading Academy
for the Whole Community
Personal Best is published by Park House School. It is distributed to Park House School, Andover Road, Designed and produced by
students, staff, parents, stakeholders, alumni and friends of Park House Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 6NQ Waddell Digital Limited
School. Issue No 40 will be published in the Summer of 2019. T 01635 573911 WaddellDigital
We need the help of staff and students to produce Personal Best E tjones@parkhouseschool.org @WaddellDigital
– thank you again to all those who have contributed to this issue –
W www.parkhouseschool.org www.waddelldigital.co.uk
we’re sorry if your story couldn’t be included this time.
Do you wish to say something positive about school life? Please submit /ParkHouseSchool
ideas, stories, copy and high resolution photos for future issues to 3
2 Headteacher, Mr Derek Peaple or Mrs Teresa Jones in the school office. @PHSNewbury
2018 Ex-Year 11 Prize Giving:
DMA (Dance, Music, Acting) performed Seasons of Love from the musical Rent
Celebrating bravery and hard work
Rugby World Cup Winner and Olympian Heather Fisher was guest of Ben Marshall received special
honour at our annual, inspirational evening celebrating the success of mention as this year’s recipient of
former Year 11 students. Heather, along with Mayor, Councillor Margo the prestigious Head Teacher’s
Payne, presented awards to students who collectively achieved the annual ‘Living the Values’ Award for
school’s best ever Progress 8 results. The results cement Park House’s the student who best exemplified a
position as one of the top 100 state schools in the county for continuous commitment to the Olympic and Heather receiving a painting by Sabina Collado, Year 13
improvement at GCSE. Paralympic Values. He also received
the Paul Barker Memorial Prize for
Heather was a wonderfully inspirational speaker on an evening which best GCSE results
celebrated the equally inspirational achievements of a wonderful group of
young people. The honesty, relevance and power of her message about The awards were generously
resilience, hard work and self-belief resonated magnificently with a year sponsored by Synergy Construction
group which rose so successfully to the demands of the toughest GCSE year and Property Consultants who
for a generation. recently worked with the school to
secure £750,000 in funding to
Heather, an ambassador for Alopecia UK and the OK Our Kids charity, spoke upgrade the Sports Hall where the
about her core values, “Be brave, work hard, believe in yourself” before presentation evening took place.
presenting awards for achievement, progress and community contribution. • Derek Peaple
4 5
More of our amazing ex-Year 11 Well done and congratulations
to all of our deserving
prize winners from November Photo prints available to buy from
www.waddelldigital.co.uk/phsprizegiving2018 prize winners.
Lottie Bullard Lucia Collado Mia Davies Richard Dobson Sophie Kent Hubert Krysztofowicz Reuben Langdon James Liriano
Governors’ Shield English Language Art Food Technology Textiles Business Studies Newbury Oils Cup BTEC Sport
For Academic progress Boy athlete of the year
The Riley Cup The Nick Lardner Memorial Prize David Welch Memorial Trophy
For outstanding attitude to Textiles For kindness to others Continuous progress throughout the school Gil Appleby Memorial Prize
For achieving nine or more 9-7 and A*/A grades
Amy Evans Harry Evans-Rusher Molly Ford Lilly Gohara Ben Marshall Anna Montagne Henry Reeves Bo Stewart
Physical Education Schneider Memorial Prize David Clark Shield Governors’ Prize Physics Peel Cup Physical Education Trevor Fisher Memorial Prize
For the student who has persevered For significant progress throughout school life For service to the Community and School Girl athlete of the year Outstanding attitude to work and school life
and succeeded Paul Barker Memorial Prize Neil Jones Memorial Prize
For the best GCSE results For the student who has excelled academically
Gil Appleby Memorial Prize Gil Appleby Memorial Prize
For achieving nine or more 9-7 and A*/A grades For achieving nine or more 9-7 and A*/A grades
Headteacher’s Living the
Values Legacy Award
Ella Holmes Kiara Jones Phoebe Just Zehra Kasli-Walmsley Izzy Sutherland
J Roberts Shield Gemini Services Award Music Photography Dance
For officiating in sport For Excellent work in IT
Gordon Clewes Memorial Prize Dawson Prize
Gil Appleby Memorial Prize For service to music For the student most deserving of success
For achieving nine or more 9-7 and A*/A grades
Eileen Hanks Cup
For outstanding artwork
Gil Appleby Memorial Prize
For achieving nine or more 9-7 and A*/A grades
7
6
Junior Prize Givings
We don’t just wait until students have left Year 11 to formally celebrate their achievements! The following
Celebrating student
achievement throughout
highlights capture our wonderful Junior Prize Giving Ceremonies for Years 7-10 held back in July,
recognising the commitment and progress of all our students as they mature within school... the school...
Year 7 – now Year 8 Year 9 – now Year 10
Year 8 – now Year 9 Year 10 – now Year 11
8 9
Anna is
on track
Connor reaches new
for success heights in dance...
Recently, I was accepted into the ranks of the National Youth Dance three days. Later, in December, we will spend a week together to begin to
I have always loved running but it’s Company or NYDC for short. It is a dance company that brings together craft the new work which we will tour around the country in 2019 in many
only in the last few years since I have “the brightest talent from across England to work intensively with amazing venues, with it all coming to a close by performing on the main
been in Newbury that I have been Sadlers Wells’ renowned Associate Artists”. stage at Sadlers Wells, London, in front of over 1500 people, including our
competing for team Kennet, starting family and friends. Words cannot express how excited and nervous I am
primarily in the 100m. It is an amazing opportunity for me, and I am honoured to be only the leading up to this coming year. I really hope that I can inspire other people
second person from Park House to be accepted into the company. to strive for their dreams and, even if it seems impossible, to try as hard as
I quickly found the 100m wasn’t for
me and instead I was reached a The first time I heard about the company was at a dance show, not long you can for them because you never know where your dreams can take
reasonable level in the 200m, 300m and before the first round of auditions, so I eagerly signed up for you! • Connor Humphreys, Year 13
long jump. It was only this year, as my them. I arrived at the audition with 30 other dancers and we
first year in the U17 age category that I all waited patiently for the audition to begin. We were told
started multi-eventing. Balancing the that we were one audition of many others around the country
training in order to master seven events and soon learnt that over 400 people had applied. The audition
and my GCSEs was often a struggle, but I consisted of learning repertoire from the past NYDC dancers along
found time whilst competing to revise with improvisation and group choreography tasks.
between events. Only a few weeks later, I received an email informing me that I had been
My first combined events competition given a place in the second audition shortlist. We were cut down from
was the Berkshire Pentathlon in May, over 400 dancers to just 75. At this audition we were able to meet the
where I placed second, meaning I made choreographer for the NYDC 2018-19 residencies, Botis Seva – a dance
the Berkshire team therefore advancing artist, choreographer and director working within the realms of
to the Regionals in Ashford. contemporary dance, physical theatre and hip-hop. He has won many
notable choreography awards including the International Choreographic
My last week of exams came to a Competition and the Marion North Mentoring Award. At this audition we
close, meaning I was heading down to were able to learn some of Botis’
Ashford, Kent for my first ever movement and have some fun
heptathlon. The competition was over getting used to his style.
two days and points are added across
the seven events (80m hurdles, 200m, At the end of the audition, we
800m, shot put, javelin, long jump & high watched the NYDC dance piece
jump). I was thrilled to be part of the created last year and we saw how
Berkshire team and the camaraderie amazing they all were. It was slightly
between the athletes was amazing – but daunting when I got an email later
of course with highs came lows, as is that month saying that I was in the
expected when competing across so company, but at the same time it was
many events. the happiest moment of my life. I had
become one of just 30 new members
My first heptathlon was a fantastic of the National Youth Dance Company
experience, and I received the news a and I really couldn’t be prouder.
few days later that I had done enough to
qualify for the English Schools combined So far, we have had a small
events final, held in Bedford in mid experience working together for three
September. days as a new company in the October
Half Term. We got to know each other
Once again it was two days of highs and become really close in the short
and lows, getting a huge PB of 1.62m in amount of time we had over those
the high jump was a definite highlight,
but frustrations in both the 200m and
800m shortly followed!
This season has made me more
determined than ever to improve, and
push myself to become the best I can be.
I will still be in the U17 category next
season, so a second year to progress
and see how far I can go in my age
group! • Anna Montagne, Year 12
10 11
Encompass II 2018
What I enjoyed about Encompass was the overall atmosphere. I love dance shows and the manic, chaotic mess of costumes, quick changes and running to
the stage always slightly late or stupidly early. The feeling of standing in the wings, waiting to go onstage and hearing the audience cheer, is so exhilarating
and nerve wracking – it’s the best feeling in the world! It’s really cool to see the older dancers perform as well, and seeing how the movements get more
complex. I really loved watching the dance ‘Diseased’, knowing that we will learn it next year. It’s also so inspirational watching the Sixth Formers which
makes me hope that one day, I’ll be able to do dances like theirs and maybe even get to do a solo. Everyone was so nice and supportive and made the
younger dancers feel welcomed. It was an amazing experience! • Abigail Elliott Year 10
On Friday, at the rehearsals, I really enjoyed watching the older ones perform and it’s made me realise that is what I want to aspire to be. I feel really lucky
to be part of such an inspirational, amazing and incredible dance experience. I love how supportive Mrs Mawazini and the other helpers were towards the
dancers. In rehearsals, I really felt like we grew as a Park House family. On Friday, I was very excited to perform. I felt very proud of myself. My Mum and
Dad and sister were ecstatic with me and couldn’t contain their excitement. This was my third show, as I keep coming back wanting to do it again! It truly is
an amazing thing to do and I really recommend it. • Amelia Myers Year 10
Photos from Howard White at www.dzphoto.co.uk
“It’s also so
inspirational
watching the
Sixth Formers...”
“In rehearsals, I really felt like we grew as a Park House family.”
12 13
Lighting the way as Get Set Beacons
We are now taking part in a nationwide Olympic and Paralympic The school will
Legacy initiative to inspire young people across their community receive funding from
to live a healthier, active lifestyle. the Get Set initiative
to support the
Park House has been selected to be a Get Set Beacon organisation,
events.
helping to promote Olympic and Paralympic ideals by organising
sporting events for the community over the next academic year. A Get Set is the
Veterinary
any of you aspiring veterinary surgeons out… I fitting accolade, as we were the only educational institution to have British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association’s youth
may even have a suggestion on which University I been awarded that ‘Inspired by 2012’ mark by The Cabinet Office engagement programme that grew from the London Olympics of
think is the best! • James Bishop after London 2012. 2012. Its aims are to help young people live a fit and healthy lifestyle
ambitions Back in 2013, we both achieved, with the help of and to realise their sporting potential.
We are already planning to hold three sporting events, in which we
many brilliant Park House teachers, a seemingly
will be inviting local schools to take part. Mr Peaple said: “We’re very It also aims to spread the Olympic values of friendships, excellence
impossible feat – getting into vet school. There were
only seven vet schools in the UK, all of whom ask for
proud and pleased that Park House is just one of 45 schools and and respect along with the Paralympic ideals of determination,
fulfilled at least AAB at A Level as well as many weeks of work
experience as you can fit into school holidays. Having
no family members involved in farming or in veterinary, I
youth organisations nationally to be chosen as a beacon.” courage and equality which we fully support as a school. •
had worked hard at making contacts to gain experience,
The inset photo was taken on the day of James
Bishop and Loran Beeley’s A Level results in 2013,
marking the end of their era at Park House. And, the main photo was
taken on the day of their graduation in July this year, marking the end of
their era at Nottingham Vet School. There are many similar emotions
including lambing, a dairy farm, a pet farm, small and
large animal veterinary practices, riding schools and
visited an abattoir. Looking back, I cannot believe I
managed to juggle my studies and organise these placements at such a
young age. Luckily, I knew from Year 9 that my aim was veterinary, so I was
Race for life
accompanying both photographs; disbelief, relief, extreme pride and a
able to accumulate work experience in school holidays over several years. Park House saw its fourth annual schools Race for Life take
bit of uncertainty for the future but most importantly two very happy
young vets who no doubt will achieve great things. James and Lorna Going to Nottingham Vet School was everything I ever hoped for and more. place back in July taking in a multi-terrain route around the
write below about their experiences: It is a five-year course with many exams and further placements throughout school site. All students from Years 7 to 12 took part with a
After having already completed 13 years of education, I achieved the holidays. However, it is also so much fun – how many other courses get to number of our Sixth Form supporting through motivation and
required A Levels to continue another five years of education at Nottingham visit the zoo on freshers’ week, meet their housemates on dissection tables or encouragement.
University where I would study to become a veterinary surgeon. The desire to cuddle animals – from alpacas to rabbits – in their holidays? If I could do it all
again with the exact same classmates – I would, and I have absolutely no
Our Senior Student Team managed the finish line and presented
become a veterinary surgeon started around Year 8 when I realised how everyone with a medal. It was wonderful to have the support of our
much I liked animals, accompanied by a very keen interest in science, from doubt in my mind that Nottingham is the best vet school in the UK (although I
may be slightly biased!). local Newbury Tesco Extra who brought along refreshments and
here I gained a multitude of different experiences including working on a
chicken farm, working in a pet shop and many nights staying up lambing until
certificates. We have just recently received confirmation and a
Now, I am thinking towards the future, I am moving to Cardiff shortly to certificate from Cancer Research UK to confirm that we raised an
3.00am before going back to bed ready for school the next day! become a small animal veterinary surgeon. Again, there are lots of unknowns
incredible £1,783 – well done everyone! • Mrs Hawkins, Health &
My five years at Nottingham have not only enabled me to achieve my and uncertainty, but if the future is half as great as the last five years, I know I
Wellbeing Co-ordinator
dream of becoming a vet, but it introduced me to many of my now best will have a brilliant time.
friends, facilitated me to start up and become President of the University of
Thank you again to Park House for enabling us to achieve our dreams and
Nottingham Clay Pigeon Shooting Club and provided me with experiences
to anyone currently attending who is thinking about doing veterinary, please
such as listening to the heart beat of a chimpanzee and helping vets in
do give it a lot of consideration. We cannot deny that it is hard work and if
procedures that brought new life into the world.
our hearts had not been completely in it, we would not have made it through
Having now graduated and achieving the title of Dr, I have started working the relentless challenges over the past five years. You need to choose to do it
in a small animal veterinary practice in Newbury. If any students have a for you, do not allow yourself to be pressured into it by anyone else.
similar desire to become a vet, I have given my personal contact details to However, if it’s your dream, then please go for it – if we can do it – you
Mr Peaple and will be only too happy to try and help 100% can too. • Lorna Beeley
14 15
Horse chestnut Coastal and urban field trips
tree donated
Back in 2008, as a youngster former student and groundsperson James Burton,
Year 12 Swanage Field Trip
Seven great people, three adventurous days and one amazing coastline.
The A-Level geography trip to Swanage was incredible.
Year 9 Urban Fieldwork in Newbury
Year 9 students undertook a piece of fieldwork this term and the key
question that they were answering was “How has Parkway affected
like many of his generation, played conkers with his grandparents who had the number of stores and
We enjoyed every minute
many conker trees in their garden. shoppers on Northbrook
from the walk to Lulworth Cove
Street and in the Kennet
Having a keen interest in arbor culture (now his career) James decided he was to discuss the formation and
Centre”. This involved
going to grow his first tree whilst still at primary school! His plan was to grow it in the measure the beach sediment,
visiting Newbury Town
family garden and then cut it down if it become too large! However, ten years on he being nibbled by goats at
Centre during the school day
hasn’t needed the chain saw yet as a horse chestnut tree (conker tree – latin name Farmer Palmers Farm Park as
and then producing a write
Aesculus hippocastanum) can take time to grow bearing in mind they typically grow we looked at rural
up booklet full of graphs and
about 40cm per year. diversification and going to
analysis once back in the
Sandbanks and Boscombe to
James felt that with the need to reduce some of the trees within school due to classroom. • Miss Bunn,
look into their coastal defences
disease or architectural reasons, it would be good to give something back to nature. Geography Dept
and collect data looking into the
He therefore donated his nurtured horse chestnut tree to Park House which he planted
differences between them. We went to Newbury town
this term with the help of Mr Peaple. James felt that “trees add value to our
centre on Thursday 15
environment improving air quality, and supporting wildlife, amongst many other For October we had
November to do some Urban
aspects.” unusually good weather and we
Fieldwork. Whilst there we had
Mrs Robinson-Slater said: “We are so fortunate to have a large number of mature even managed to fit in an ice
to do a footfall survey which is
trees which makes our campus very special. The planting of the kind donation from cream stop and carve
where you are in groups and
James of the horse chestnut will add to our very pleasant surroundings and when this pumpkins in the evening. Being
one person counts the people
horse chestnut comes into fruition it will contribute to the fantastic autumn colours able to study fieldwork
walking left to right and the other person counts the people walking right
which we are privileged to work in on a day to day basis.” • techniques and whilst experiencing the beautiful lithology and geology was
to left. We did this survey at Northbrook Street, Parkway and the Kennet
really memorable and it will really help us all when we have to do our own
centre, we did this for five minutes each time.
fieldwork projects next year. Huge thanks to Mr Davis and Miss Bunn for
Mayor’s Cadet update
taking us on this great trip. • Niamh Dorrington and Amy Evans, Year 12 We also asked member of the public if they were a local or a visitor and
whether they thought the town centre was clean. We did an Environmental
Impact Assessment at Parkway and the Kennet Centre which is where we
looked around to see if it was noisy, smelly, attractive, safe and
My first five months as Mayor’s Cadet have been very exciting. I have met lots of interesting people including welcoming. We are using the information we collected for a project in class
local MP, Richard Benyon and the Commanding Officer of RAF High Wycombe, Group Captain Rob Woods OBE. I this term. • Brooke Robinson, Year 9
have attended the HMS Tigris Church service and the turning on of the Newbury Christmas Lights and I read
Luke v2 ch8-20 (Shepherds come to see the Christ-child) at the Civic Carol Service on 16 December. I just can’t
wait to see what happens in 2019; I wouldn’t trade it for the World. • Joshua Lane, Year 11
16 17
Let us entertain you
This year we have welcomed a new Head of Music, Mrs Cooper. If you
India’s commitment to training pays off
On November 25 I was invited to compete in the British Modern
Biathlon National Championships in the Under 14 Girls category
held in Leeds.
The British Modern Biathlon U14s category consists of a 1600m run
are part of her tutor group you will already know the day starts with and 100m swim. In order to qualify, I needed to get 2000 points
singing the register. Since joining, Mrs Cooper has held a number of across both disciplines or place in the top three in one of the regional
performances with the students. Here she tells us about our students’ qualifiers. I competed in two regional qualifiers, at Basingstoke and
recent visits to entertain senior citizens at Age Concern’s Fair Close Day Abingdon, and achieved third place in the Basingstoke regional
Centre in Newtown Road, Newbury: qualifier.
Earlier this term we were invited to perform for a group of Senior Citizens The Leeds competition was tough but due to all the training and help
at the Fair close Day Centre. from my coaches, I managed to get Personal Bests in both my
On our first visit, our Year 9 GCSE Music students were delight to perform a run and swim, and placed 24th in the U14 Girls category nationally.
variety of pieces from The Greatest Showman to When Daisies Pied along This is the first year I have competed in a Biathlon. I train with
with solos on piano, voice, bassoon and flute and piano duets with a very well Basingstoke Bluefins Swimming club five times a week and enjoy
received performance of The Kinks’ You Really Got me. After the performance cross country and long distance running, so I decided to try the
the students chatted with the Senior citizens and enjoyed cake! Our Biathlon as it brings both disciplines I enjoy together. Having enjoyed
audience’s comments included “A lovely afternoon the children were very competing in the Biathlons, I have now joined Wessex Wyverns
brave to sing for us”, “We hope they enjoyed performing as much as we Pentathlon Club and have added Laser Shooting to my training
enjoyed watching”, “We would love them to come again soon…”. And, schedule. Next steps are to try the Modern Triathlon (Run, Swim,
so, we did... Shoot), Laser Run (Run, Shoot) and to qualify again for next year’s
Our first visit had gone so well we were invited back with students from Biathlon National Championships.
Years 7, 8 and 9 to entertain the day centre visitors again for their Christmas I feel very proud of my achievements and this now motivates me to
lunch which was also attended by Mayor, Councillor Margo Payne who said “I train harder and to try the different events available to me through the
had a marvellous time!” Well done to all of our brilliant singers and Pentathlon GB Organisation. • India Farrant, Year 8
musicians who got involved! • Mrs Cooper, Head of Music India is totally committed to improving in each discipline and
was over the moon with her recent Personal Bests at the
event in Leeds! • Mr Elliott - Tutor / PE Teacher:
Max power...
Silence is golden
This term I have had many students wanting
to take part in sponsored silences in aid of
Children in Need. The maturity of the students
not only when taking part but to also go round
and collect sponsorship has been amazing to
see. We have so far raised over £50 for what is
such a wonderful charity.
Photo: Steve Hone
They have not thought about themselves but what
they can do for others, I’m an extremely proud Head Max Perry, Year 7 has been racing speedway since he was six years riding his 125cc Speedway bike in the British Young Lions where he has
of Year! Well done to Anna Patterson, Tara Fitzgerald, old, in his first year of racing he was crowned South west centre been racing up and down the country and France.
Darcy Birch-Hedger and Ellie Keen, who have been champion and finished fourth at the Nationals.
outstanding throughout. • Mr Columbro This year Max was asked to join the Peterborough Thundercats in the
Still riding his 50cc auto Grass track bike he went on to win the North, Northern Junior League, where they finished Northern League runners up,
South, West and East centre titles two years running including two British NJL fours Champions and NJL best pairs runners up. Max also finished top
titles. Max then moved up to the cadet class on a 65cc bike where again he of the 125cc averages list in his first year beating kids up to the age of
won his third British title. fifteen. Max also went onto set 125cc track records at Peterborough,
Only staying in the cadets for one year Max said he wanted a challenge Scunthorpe, Rye house and Redcar.
so he moved to the junior class on his 85cc bike racing against kids two 2019 is set to be a very exciting year and Max is hoping to team back up
years older where again he won the British title taking it to four. with the Peterborough Thunder Cats, continue with the Young Lions, try and
Max tried for a fifth title this year but had bike problems and missed the win another British title and also compete in some more European rounds.
top spot by one point. In between all the Grass track racing Max has been • Robert Perry
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Peaple
and a cultural visit in 2017 (featured in Personal Best issue 37) a further group of ten
Year 12 Chinese students from underprivileged backgrounds in Yuann province in China
visited us this month.
They engaged with our own Sixth Form students in a question and answer session
learning about each other’s culture. Our students were particularly shocked to learn about
the length of the Chinese school day – 6.30am to 11.00pm! The Chinese students were
impressed by the wealth of options on offer at Park House and both groups gained greatly
from the experience and new friendships. • Mr Oxley, Modern Foreign Languages
Samuel Wright, Arnaud Montagne, Gracie Matthews, Josie Piddington, Ella Dunford, James Peaple and Charles Matthews
16
Champions of Enterprise
Our Sixth Form Champions of Enterprise team have just been crowned best in West Berkshire in a Dragon’s
Den-style competition which required them to work together and present innovative solutions to ‘live’
business challenges organised by the Education Business Partnership.
Shortlisted for Design Ventura
A team of our Year 10 GSCE Design and Technology were recently shortlisted for the prestigious Design Ventura
competition and were one of only ten teams pitching their idea at the final held in November at the Design
Museum in London. The competition had over 13,400 students participating making the achievement even
more impressive. We look forward to the announcement of the winners in early 2019.
Our students, Oscar Stephens, Ben East, Luke Rivers, George Keen, Joe Neary and Joseph Cottingham-Mayall,
gave a brilliant and engaging presentation of their design concepts for ‘Hold’em’, a shopping bag holder to take
the pain out of carrying lots of shopping bags with a strap that helps take the strain. As one professional design
observer commented: “I really like this concept. A solid solution to a clearly identified problem.”
20 21Year 7, you’re awesome!
Welcoming our Year 7 students and their families
I can almost remember my own first day in Year 7 – the excitement was well, and it was! Many students were trying subjects they had never
and fear. I imagine the same can be said for our cohort of Year 7, experienced before or had barely looked at. The conduct in lessons was
many of whom came from very small primary schools where they exemplary and the rapport between students and staff started to evolve.
knew everyone and enjoyed familiarity.
For Mrs Chandler, Miss Dewsbury and I, it has been a pleasure getting to
This year, our new students settled in well and started their Park House know all students and to see all their amazing skills and qualities shine
journey with an amazing assembly from Graham Edmunds (Paralympic through. A very enjoyable, hard working environment is now established
Gold Medallist swimmer). The students thoroughly enjoyed his extremely with all Year 7 students fully integrated as part of the school community.
inspirational story and also had the chance to meet him and have their
On the 10 October we held our annual Year 7 parents’ social evening – a
Current run of Rugby success...
photo taken. What a way to start your academic year!
great way for parents to discuss the start of the year with all the tutors and
Graham said: “It was such a special privilege to be invited to address other parents while enjoying a glass of wine. A massive thank you to all
Year 7 students at Park House on their first day ...I really hope I have that helped make this an amazing evening!
The Year 7 rugby team have been outstanding in every sense this on the field. The A & B squads have been extremely successful this inspired the pupils to make the best of their time at Park House’.
The first term is almost complete and I can honestly say, as Head of
season! They have been extremely committed to the rugby season remaining unbeaten in the district league with the A squad also After this the hard work started for the Year 7s as they went off to Year, I’m extremely proud of all students for the progress they are making
programme right since the first training session. remaining unbeaten in the county competitions! Individually and undertake their first lessons at Park House. A scary moment for many, with and at how well they have taken on the Park House values. I look forward
They have shown real togetherness and character throughout the collectively the students have been a credit to the school. Well done to all new teachers, classrooms and peers to meet. To say they settled in quickly to a successful rest of the year and the journey ahead. • Mr Columbro –
season with numbers of 20+ at each training session. The character, unity the students involved! is an understatement. I patrolled the corridors daily, checking to see if all Head of Learning, Year 7
and desire shown from all of the students during each training session A special mention goes to Seb Chapman and Edward Bone who have
and particularly in matches has been outstanding! We admire this group shown their leadership skills both on the pitch and off. • Mr Elliott, PE
of individuals when it comes to displaying commitment and determination Department
“All the team have worked very well and they “I have really enjoyed my time as Rugby
haven’t moaned or anything to me whilst I Captain for Park House. It has taught me
have been captain. When I first played it some important values like hard work,
was a bit nerve-racking because I had determination, confidence and given me a
never played with some of my team mates. feeling of happiness. The Year 7’s are
When we win games I think the reason is undefeated in the whole of Berkshire which
because we have played as a team and that is a great achievement for our rugby team
makes me happy. Rugby makes me happy – and the school. I have tried to be the best
I can play a sport as part of a team and captain I could be. I currently play fly-half
being captain also makes me happy that I and for me that is one of the toughest
can help and support people.” Edward Bone, Year 7 positions on the pitch.” Seb Chapman, Year 7
Biggs hitter...
Year 7 student James Biggs first picked up a golf club at the age of
three. In 2015, he joined Wragg Barn Golf Club, Highworth, Swindon
where he was part of the Cadet One programme. Over the next few
years, James developed the golf bug and one of his coaches, Richard
Scarott, said, “Wow! Where did you get that swing from? I wish I had
been as good as you at your age.”
From March to August this year James has played for the Wiltshire
Development Squad and played in the Wiltshire Development Tour where
he came second in an Order of Merit Tour. Scott Talbot, Cadet Organiser for
Wragg Barn and Secretary for the Golf Union in Wiltshire said that James
was one of the best players he’d has seen for his age group.
The Cadet Two Championship at Wragg Barn in August saw James
shoot an amazing 89 to win the trophy by nine shots and gain an invitation
to play in the Men verses Juniors Competition – a proud moment as James
was still a Cadet. Three days later, James progressed to the Junior Section
and is now playing off the back tees.
Since then James achieved first in the Under 13 age group at the North
Wiltshire Junior Open on 1 November and has been offered a place on the
Wiltshire Under 13s Elite Squad by John Jacobs (the England Boys’ coach).
James happily accepted the invitation and to say he was excited is an
understatement! James’ ambition is to study golf at a sporting college in
the UK or America and his sporting dream is to one day become a PGA Tour
Professional and win the Open Golf Championship. • The Biggs Family Photo: www.yoursportswindon.co.uk
22 23Students meet with the West Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
End’s real-life Jean Valjean The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award, was first launched over
60 years ago. Hundreds of students from Park House have
participated in the Award which is available to all students from
Year 9 and above and is now the world's leading youth
Year 8 students received a unique opportunity to see the legendary to work in. The visit gave the students first hand insights into the
West End production of Victor Hugo’s ‘Les Miserables’ and then to challenges posed by set features such as a revolving set. After being achievement award.
meet and quiz Dean Chisnall, in November. As a school we quite literally ‘shown the ropes’ backstage, the students got to see The award equips young people for life, regardless of their
regularly put on high quality productions at Arlington Arts, giving the set in action, before meeting Dean Chisnall the productions’ background and physical ability. It is a personal challenge and not a
students a feel of life on the stage and the work that goes into leading man, Jean Valjean) to find out more about the production competition against others; it gives young people new challenges and
putting on a production such as costume, lighting, stage design and the life of an actor. recognises their achievements. The Award can also play a critical role
and props. in supporting a young person when they apply for College, University
Dean has visited Park House and spoken with the students in the
However, a backstage tour of a real West End show, followed by past, but seeing Dean in his professional environment gave students or employment and is highly thought of in the world of work. I have
seeing the performance, gave the students a chance to see exactly a chance to learn more about life on stage, to collect his autograph, summarised below some recent achievements with our DofE students
how West End sets are built and the environments that actors have and to make life-long memories. • Miss Baron, Head of Drama here at Park House. If you are interested in joining the DofE or have
any further questions about the Award please contact Linnhe Lay on
llay@parkhouseschool.org • Mrs Linnhe Lay
Bronze DofE
Huge congratulations to 14 Bronze DofE students who have
completed their DofE Award over the Autumn term: Emma Cheshire,
Emily Clayton, Georgina Green, Isabel Knight, Emma Layton, Bethan
Philp, Emily Robinson, Molly Smith, Oscar Stephens, Emma Thomas,
Lowri Thomas, Sophie Thornton-Allen, Emily Valentine, Charlotte Wiles
“I thought I would never be able to participate in the DofE
as I was convinced that I would not be able to complete the
different sections but the DofE has encouraged me to try new
activities and gain new experiences, especially volunteering
at Newbury Library. The DofE was such a great
experience for me and I also met a whole new
group of friends.” Isabel Knight
“I loved it because it Well done to Olivia Popplewell who joined a team of
DofE participants from other schools to complete her
made me feel a Bronze mop up expedition. As the only member of the
range of emotions Park House DofE on this expedition Olivia showed the true
from laughter to spirit of the DofE throughout her expedition by making
tears.” Sam Knight new friends, and she always had a smile on her face even
when she was up against the relentless wind and rain!
“I thought the trip
Silver DofE
was an amazing Three Silver DofE Teams challenged themselves through
experience and I the gruelling wettest and windiest weekend of the year on
would love to do it their Silver DofE practice expedition in September. The
again and I also teams were not defeated by the horrendous weather and
thought the actors, went on to pass their Silver Assessed Expedition in
singers and acting October, in beautiful sunshine! Congratulations to Charlie
was amazing!” Ginn for completing his Silver Award
Lottie MacDonald Gold DofE
Three Park House students have achieved the ultimate, by passing
“I really enjoyed the their Gold DofE Award; Grace Norton (pictured right), David Lee and
show and I would Jack Hygate. These three students will be invited to Buckingham
definitely come and Palace next year to collect their Gold Award.
see it again. It was “My Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) experience started in Year 9
a breath-taking when I did my bronze award. When I first signed up for DofE, I
experience.” never thought that I would continue to gold, but I am
Cerys Durham extremely glad that I did. DofE has been the most rewarding
experience I have ever had. It has expanded my horizons and
“Totally unexpected. I don’t think even Shakespeare could imagine allowed me to prove that I am capable of feats I didn’t think
how good this play was – and the performance!.” Izzy Pilkington possible. In short, DofE has allowed me to discover new
hobbies, meet new people and grow as a person. I cannot
recommend DofE highly enough.” Grace Norton
24 25STEM Careers days and STEM Challenge
EBP Festival of Engineering the DNA and inserted it into a glass vial and made a necklace with it. Some
The first Festival of Engineering set up by the Enterprise Business real gene jewellery, very personal and unique.
Partnership took place on 9 November. This was held at XTrac
Plenty of STEM fun going on at Park House throughout the school
Transmissions in Thatcham and we were able to take about 40 of our Year
year and for lots of our different year groups. One common theme
9 students who were interested in STEM careers. Lots of potential
throughout was that all of our students were so well behaved on the
employers were there with engaging hands-on activities for the students.
visits they were an asset to school and a pleasure to take out and
Our students got to meet staff from Dyson, Thames Water, Bloodhound
inspire. • Ian Miller
(The land speed challenge) Thatcham Research and Ocado Supermarkets.
All of the employers were showing how STEM subjects were essential to STEM Challenge
their businesses. The host of the event was Richard Benyon MP who met On Monday 15 October, four Year 9 students (Josh, Angus, Tom, Patrick T)
some of our Year 9 students. This event was a great success. went to a STEM event at AWE. The challenge was to design and make a
submersible vehicle that would compete in four tasks. The boys were
Downe House STEM Day
assisted by AWE engineering staff and overseen by AWE apprentices, as
Early in November Year 11 girls were lucky enough to be invited to Downe
the submersible was to be built by the students themselves applying the
House School in Cold Ash for their STEM careers day to explore some
knowledge they had gained during a school visit from AWE staff earlier in
diverse areas of science and technology. The event involved sessions
October. Despite being joint first after the second task, the Park House
understanding the science behind lock gates on canals, research into
challenge tailed off and they finished fifth. Our students enjoyed the day
neurological pathways to provide better medical care, molecular imaging
and gained lots of knowledge and skills that they can apply in both school
in cancer treatment and a session run by Bletchley Park staff on code
and any STEM-related work they do in the future. • Mr Hale
breaking, Enigma style!
Rutherford Appleton Laboratory “We were set a challenge to make a working
In December a group of our sixth formers went to Rutherford Appleton Labs submarine out of limited materials – plastic
for a STEM science day. We arrived in the morning and after a short bottles, motors, balloons and other everyday
introductory talk the students were straight into a hands on activity with items. The first task was to make an accurate
Arduino microprocessors. Setting up a simple programmable
design of the submarine we were going to make.
microprocessor circuit. This was followed by a tour of the data centre,
showing the huge storage racks capable of storing the many petabytes Our second task was to make the submarine sink
(1,000,000 gigabytes) of data that support RAL projects and scientific and rise as quick as possible. Our third task was
research on the Harwell campus. Some data is still stored on tape and we to make the submarine go from one side of the
were shown how tape storage is used and how reliable it is for storing large
quantities of data that is not under constant access at a reasonable cost.
From there we went to the Compact Laser Facility where demonstrations
tank to the other in the fastest time possible and
our fourth and final task was to try and make our
submarine reach a neutral buoyancy. Some of the
Thatcham technology inspires again...
using light to analyse materials were shown. The afternoon session was a In early November the A-Level Physics and Design and Technology The tests are designed to mimic how a car would behave in a real crash.
lecture explaining how our understanding of material structure is essential prizes varied from Lego books to action cameras! students got the chance to visit Thatcham Research, a leading not-for- Although for a good cause, it’s quite shocking to see brand new cars with
to our understanding of the Universe and how we interact with it. Big We all really enjoyed the day!” Josh Donohoe, Patrick profit researcher into motor safety and security. just two or three miles on the clock get written off.
thinking and big science but very small particles! Thorpe, Angus Magee, and Tom Rowe
We were hosted by Neil Samuel from Thatcham Research who gave us Training is vital to ensure ongoing car safety and the Thatcham training
an introductory presentation into what Thatcham Research does, including centre staff showed us how training programmes are developed for
the three different types of crash testing they do at the centre (front-left, apprentices from many areas of the motor industry. New materials are
side and rear). By doing this crash testing, Thatcham Research grades each constantly being developed and it need to be understood how the behaviour
car model against a five-star rating for safety and a fifty-point system of these material affects the way they are body repaired after an accident.
overall. This forms a Euro NCAP rating for the car. Thatcham is the only Euro The use of extensive carbon fibre in modern high end cars presents new
NCAP certified crash lab in the UK. We were introduced to new problems for the repair industry. We saw the extensive aluminium
developments in safety including a demonstration of ADAS (Advanced Driver substructure of some of the new Tesla model cars. Aluminium requires
Assistance Systems), self parking cars and autonomous cruise control. The specialist welding techniques for repairs to be safe. Thatcham Research is
students got to ride in a Tesla model S with lots of self driving aids fitted. unique in that all the tools needed are available on-site, along with
classrooms for the theoretical aspects. The final part of the visit was hands
During our tour of the facilities we looked at the RTC, where new cars are
on, as a passenger, in an autonomous braking Volvo V40. The car was
assessed for appropriate repair methods developed in conjunction with the
driven towards a ‘foam car’ and the car braked on its own with no input
manufacturers. We saw video and real evidence of how safety has
from the driver, when the cameras and radar sensors detect the parked
progressed over the last 20 years with comparisons from an early ‘90s
foam car. Very jerky but saved an impact, the following insurance costs and
Rover Metro and a current Honda Jazz model. The differences were truly
potential injuries. Just showing us how technology is being used in
shocking – occupants in a modern Jazz would have survived an impact
everyday life to assist with motoring issues. Hands off parking in a LWB
which would have proved fatal in the Rover. Chilling.
Mercedes S class limousine was a very surreal experience.
Bayer Life Science We went to the indoor crash areas, hosted by Tom, a recent graduate
Our STEM visit to Thatcham Research is now a highlight fixture of our
This term, some of our new Year 7s had the opportunity to go to Bayer Life engineer. His enthusiasm for his cars and in making them safer was
first year A Level Physics course. This year we’ve expanded it to involve our
Science in Reading to their BayLab facility. During the morning activity the infectious. He explained how huge the forces involved are. Here, cars are
D&T students too, they get an insight into the uses of many different
students extracted some of their own DNA from some of their cheek cells propelled on a moving floor sideways into a concrete pillar. The collision
materials and their impact on the finished products. The visit is designed
and using some advanced and sophisticated techniques took a sample of happens at the side of the car directly next to the driver’s head to test the
to inspire an interest and passion for all things automotive in our
side airbags deployment and how the car copes with the impact. Each test
students. By the looks on some of the faces here we seem to
takes several weeks to set up as the car must be in the correct position to
have hit that target. • Ian Miller
make every test repeatable and reproducible.
26 27House System Update...
The House System at Park House school continues to be a tremendous success and positive force for good throughout the school. From Year 7
right through to our Sixth Form, students have been earning House Points by competing in House Events, volunteering their time for the school
and community and generally exceeding expectations with their academic performance and efforts. Here are the current points standings:
Cedar 8920 points Oak 8537 points Beech 8514 Elm 7782
The overall winners will have the honour and pleasure of the big House With some House Sports events already completed (and more to come),
Party at the end of the year, alongside having the House Shield engraved we look forward to a raft of events for students to take part in: House
for all to see. Debating, House E-Sports and Sports Day to name just a few we have
featured here from last year.
In addition to this, we have appointed our House Captains from our
exceptional and outstanding pool of talented Sixth Formers. If you have any questions, comments or thoughts that you would like to
The senior student team (Year 13) have continued in the tradition of their communicate with us then please email any of the following:
forebears and are already making a wonderful contribution to school life. BEECH@parkhouseschool.org CEDAR@parkhouseschool.org
Two members (Jacob Smith and Bridgett Skinner) have the honour of ELM@parkhouseschool.org OAK@parkhouseschool.org House Cricket Competition House Drama Competition
being our Senior House Captains. We have now appointed eight Year 12s
as Junior House Captains. We look forward to another remarkable year of Or Mr Marshall (House Co-Ordinator):
positivity and healthy competition for the four Houses here at Park House. hmarshall@parkhouseschool.org
Cedar House winners of 2017-2018 house competition
Name: Matt Maynard Name: Kiara Jones Name: Mai Brown Name: Heather Caborn
House: Beech House: Cedar House: Elm House: Oak
Likes: Rugby Likes: Animals, Computer Likes: Athletics Likes: Art, science,
Reason for wanting to be House Science and Maths Reasons for wanting to be House Captain: To help make a veterinary studies and
Captain: It’s a chance to have a bit Reason for wanting to be House difference to the House System and inspire people in every year to be good music.
more responsibility and be a bit more Captain: I want to extend my leadership more involved in their House community
involved with the school Reasons for wanting to be House
skills and cooperation skills Aims and ambitions for my time as House Captain: To promote a Captain: To encourage expansion of
Aims and ambitions for my time as Aims and ambitions for my time as House Captain: I want to help positive attitude towards your House, as well as wanting to achieve House events
house captain: To help the House System and improve the schools’ build the House System and get more people involved. highly.
system to accommodate everyone who's in the school, the best i can Aims and ambitions for my time as House Captain: To get more
along with the other Captains. House events for more subjects along with participation.
Name: Elishia Pryor Name: Charlotte Phillips
Name: Lucy Rowe House: Cedar House: Elm Name: Josh Smith
House: Beech Likes: Dance, Drama and Likes: Science and coffee House: Oak
Likes: Science and Football Photography Reasons for wanting to be House Likes: Media, Football and
Captain: I wanted to be House Captain Karate
Reason for wanting to be House Reason for wanting to be House to gain responsibilities and have my
Captain: I wanted to be more involved Captain: Help and encourage younger chance to help improve the school. I am Reasons for wanting to be House
in the school community to benefit students through the years. not only representing my team, Elm, but Captain: I have enjoyed taking part in
others, and work as a team to arrange Aims and ambitions for my time as house captain: To help the I am now also part of the House team, working with the other House House events ever since Year 7 and I
competitions between the houses. House System and develop the schools system to accommodate Captains to bring ideas together. really want to be able to assist the
everyone who is in the school, the best I can along with the other school in any ways possible.
Aims and Ambitions for my time as House Captain: My aim is to Aims and ambitions for my time as house captain: As House
encourage a healthy competitive House System, with ideas coming House Captains. Captain, my aim is to encourage more enthusiasm, teamwork and Aims and ambitions for my time as House Captain: I aim to help
directly from students. competition in the House events, as well as holding new events to get organise and introduce a wider variety of house events and competitions
students from all year groups working together as one team. for the students here at Park House. I also wish to leave after my
A Levels being able to be proud of achievements as Oak House Captain.
28 29You can also read
