|
 News from Mr Grady
6th July 2023
Hello everyone,
We are still recovering this week from the excitement of the Summer Fair last Friday evening. This was the first “Fair” or, to give it it’s proper title: “Fayre” we’ve held since Covid-times. And what an absolute joy it was.
We’ve gone a little further this year, in really working with years 9 and 10 around the enterprise of the Fayre, considering what the market might bear, and the best way to market and make a profit. At the moment, we think we’ve raised more than ever before for our charities, and not only that, but had a really lovely sociable evening into the bargain.
Although the weather didn’t quite shine on us, our move into the hall didn’t stop all the fun of the Fayre, and the evening was enhanced by both dramatic and musical performances throughout.
I went home laden with seed-bombs, a key fob, sweet treats, books and one hand with yellow nail-varnish-painted nails. There was pretty much nothing left at all as the final visitors left around 6:45pm.
With year 7 and 12 induction days on Monday next week, students out at Wimbledon this week, and Sports Day on the horizon next Thursday, not to mention all the activities of Curriculum Enhancement week, we have plenty going on, and although in terms of time, it might feel like we’re winding down to the summer, it actually feels like we’re revving up for the next fortnight.
I shall of course be writing to you in the last week of term, but until then, I shall be looking forward to meeting all the new students we’ll be settling in in September, and ahead of that staff relay next Thursday, I better start my lunges and stretches now, in the hope of claiming victory this year, having come in second place the last two years running!
Stay well and safe everyone,
With all best wishes,
Mr Grady
|
|
|
|
|
Industrial Cadets Gold project success
Every year, the Engineering Development Trust runs the Industrial Cadets Gold Project, aimed at Year 12 students interested in STEM. The project, that runs over about 6 months, involves working with mentors from industry on a real-life engineering problem. Here Hema, Year 12, explains more about the experience:
"This year, the school entered two teams of 6 – one working with Cummins on a generator problem, and our team working with GE on a project about renewable marine propulsion. For this, we extensively researched the best battery type for the application and built a physical model and computer simulation of a battery-powered boat that’s charged using solar power. We also wrote a report detailing the project, and in May we presented our work to a panel of five assessors.
Last week, we all attended the Celebration and Assessment event at the School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, where we showcased our project and had the chance to look at projects from other schools and vote for the best one. There were other events too, like an F1 activity where you could test your reaction time and race mini F1 cars. The last event of the day was the awards ceremony, and our team was pleasantly surprised to win the People’s Choice award!
Overall, this project was a really valuable experience that we all enjoyed. We’d definitely recommend it to any students who like physics and want to pursue a career in STEM."
|
|
Crest Certificates awarded
Congratulations to our Year 9 students on completing their Bronze Crest Award for their projects on acid rain. Students covered a wide range of scientific skills and researched the causes and impact of acid rain both locally and across the world. Well done to them all!
|
|
|
E-library and Reading Room
As we head towards the end of term, remember the E-Library is available for all our students for summer reading!
Scan the QR code to access the e-library or go to: https://rugbyhighschool.eplatform.co/
If you’re after a physical book we have 450 NEW titles for any student in KS3 to borrow from the Reading Room in school!
Glow Worms choose their favourites
The Year 7 ‘Glow Worms’ reading group has met every 3rd Tuesday since the beginning of November and they’ve read a wide variety of novels, had fascinating discussions and have decided on our favourite Glow Worm reads. Here’s their top choices (above).
|
|
|
English Athletics Championships
Olivia, year 9, and Hollie, year 11, competed in the English School's Athletics Championships, over two days in Birmingham last weekend. After a strong 1500m heat, Olivia qualified for the final, and went on to win it! A brilliant achievement! Also, a huge well done to Hollie who was competing in the javelin at this event. Unfortunately, the result didn't go her way on the day, but it is a massive achievement to have made it into the team.
|
|
|
Selection for County Football
Isobel, Year 8, has been selected to represent Warwickshire in their under 14 county schools' girls' football team for the 2023-24 season. The selection process was tough due to the level of girls trying out, but they were impressed with Isobel's attitude both on and off the pitch as well as her ability.
It's a honour to represent the county, so congratulations to Isobel on this fantastic achievement.
Isobel began her footballing journey at age 8 playing for Rugby Town. She played there until the 2 clubs split and they moved from to Butlin Road. She was there until a couple of years ago when she joined Rugby Borough back at Kilsby Lane and is still there now. She has also played for Coventry City. She now trains for Rugby Borough in the MJPL team as well as playing for the Under 14 team.
|
|
|
Level 3 football tournament
On Thursday 29th June, we took three teams to the level 3 finals at the AT7 centre in Coventry. We were playing teams from Coventry, Solihull and all of Warwickshire. The standard of play and the heat of the day were both very high! Our teams battled through seven ten-minute, fast-paced, and often very physical, 5-a-side games. Year 7 and 8 Compete team nearly won medals, but lost out on goal difference.
Year 9 and 10 Compete
It was a very well battled tournament and everyone tried their hardest despite the extremely hot weather. Sadly we didn't end up placing in the top three, however there was lots of good competition and great sportsmanship shown from our teams. There were plenty of brilliant goals from Evelyn, Rosie, Amelia and Jess, and great skills shown from all players. Despite some injuries, all players persevered and finished the tournament with a positive attitude. Well done everyone! - Olivia, Year 9
Player of the tournament: Rosie - “Brilliant in goal”
|
|
Schools Football Tournament
Year 7 and 8 Compete
On Thursday, we played a tournament against other schools which we all really enjoyed! Our Year 7 and 8 team almost came 3rd but we missed out on goal difference, but still 4th is a great achievement! We all worked hard and almost all of us scored! - Evelyn, Year 7
Player of the tournament: Evelyn - “Scored important goals and drove the team forward”
Year 7 and 8 Develop Team
I was really proud of the Develop team. We played some tough sides and we had a couple of victories too. Sad not to have Sophie with us, our remaining six players were exhausted by the end but kept battling. Anushay was strong in defence and goal. Ash and Zion were brilliant at keeping everyone’s spirits up and we’re very happy to have some new players on board too! – Dr Brown
Player of the tournament: Anushay - “Showed no fear, diving and sliding for every ball”
|
|
Football activators
On Thursday 22nd June, six of our Football Activators went to Budbrooke Primary School and delivered an hour-long session of football skills and a mini tournament to year 3 and 4 girls. They then did the same for year 5 and 6 girls. The aim was to have fun and encourage girls to play football!
The Budbrooke Activators are Ash, Abi, Zoe, Izzy, Sophie and Zion. The Knightlowe Activators are Sofia, Surabhi, Poppy, Izzy and Vanisha, Anushay.
Our Activators organised warm up activities and refereed tournaments, and each one managed their own 5-a-side team. Year 3 and 4 wanted us to go back and do it again!
Then on Monday 26th June, our other six Activators did the same with a longer session for year 5 and 6 girls at Knightlowe C of E Primary school. We were also helped by Tom, doing work experience from Harris, many thanks Tom!
|
|
|
Yachting success
Jessica, Year 8, has attended winter training camps with the Royal Yachting Association and worked incredibly hard both on and off the water with her boat handling and fitness. Jessica has then competed in both local and national events and has secured the ITCA Midlands Topper Series title for the second year running along with winning the:
- Midlands Championship,
- London and Southeast Championship,
- RYA Eric Twinnaine Championships
- RYA Topper Regional Junior Champion
Her greatest achievement came last weekend where Jessica competed in the final round of the ITCA National Series at Rutland Sailing Club. This has been a 5-event national series, running from October to June with over 186 competitors (both boys and girls up to the ages of 18) taking part. Previous winners of the title include some sailing greats such as Giles Scott (Double Olympic gold medallist) Elliot Hanson and Micky Beckett (Currently No.1 in the world).
After Saturday's 3 races Jessica was lying in a very strong 5th place overnight. On Sunday, shah had to complete an additional 3 races. Jess sailed brilliantly over the 2 days and her boat speed, fitness and consistency paid off, winning 2 of the 3 final races, winning the event and clinching the National Series title.
Jessica is only the 3rd Female to ever win this title in 40 years and is 2 – 3 years younger than most of her closest competitors. In July, Jess will now head to the ITCA World Championship in Ireland, where she will be representing GBR against another 260 Sailors from all over the world.
|
|
|
Uniform Sale
Don't forget the PTA's outgrown, but not outworn, school uniform sale is on Saturday 15th July, 10am-12pm. This is your opportunity to make huge savings by buying good quality, pre-used uniform for your daughter and play your part in raising money for the school.
All proceeds will go to the PTA which provides funding for academic and non-academic related activities for our students. You can find more information about the PTA here.
|
|
|
|
Online Theatre this summer
Rugby High School subscribes to both Digital Theatre Plus and The Drama Online Library which has a wealth of outstanding theatre productions that you can stream. Check out some recommendations for the summer holidays, from Jane Eyre to Lovesong – happy watching!
Please do not share these log in details outside of the Rugby High School community. Our license only permits students and teachers at the school to use them and failure to adhere to these rules could incur severe financial implications for the household found doing so.
Find our recommendations and the passwords you'll need here.
|
|
|
French or Spanish Magazines
Are you travelling to a Spanish or French-speaking country this summer? If you are, it would be so appreciated if you could bring back a magazine of interest to teenagers in Spanish or French that we could add to our MFL library. We have lots of novels in French and Spanish but no magazines and we would love to also make these available to students. ¡Muchísimas gracias! Merci beaucoup!
The MFL Department
|
|
|
Free webinar from Elevate Education
We’re inviting parents to join a series of free webinars this academic year 2023. The last webinar this term from Elevate Education is:
- Setting Up for Success - 11th July, 6-7 pm
You can sign up here.
These free webinars are provided for parents by our partners Elevate Education. They also come into school and work with our students, delivering workshops that help them with study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. This webinar series will help you to support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school and we hope you can join in.
|
|
|
Eastbourne
Joseph Coelho
Kicking the pebbles along Eastbourne beach
as the orange-pink of sunset
plays with the ebbing tide,
my mother asks...
“What do you want to do when you’re older?”
There is every colour of pebble beneath my feet,
grey lumps of flint winking their sharp, shining
cores
gritty ovals of sandstone pregnant with fossils,
worn amulets of glass of every sparkle.
They crunch and shift under synced steps
as we stroll, towels wrapped around sand-dusted
bodies.
The sea sings with the pebbles,
knocking a tone from each,
forming a hushing melody.
Sunbursts dip into the wispy clouds,
bounce from the greens, blacks and purples of the
rock pools,
shine red and gold and white from the sea.
There is every colour in the sun.
My baby sister toddles alongside my grandmother,
the years between them
like the ghosts of waves already ebbed
and the years to come
like the promise of tides,
as their silhouettes whisper in the sunshine.
“What do I want to be when I’m older?”
The question bounces around my head
like light and wind and water and time
and I smile…
“I don’t know.”
|
|
|
School Vacancies
Assistant Caretaker is 20 hours a week: £9,123 to £9,306 - plus overtime pay. You will report to our Premises Manager alongside two other Assistant Caretakers. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, have a high attention to detail and take pride in their work. You must be passionate about contributing to a programme of continuous improvement of the school site.
Cleaner: 9 hours per week. Start times: Morning shift flexible starting between 6am to 7am or afternoon shift from 3.50pm. Term-time plus 5 training days plus 1 working week for deep clean – 40 Weeks. NJC Scale Point 1/2 (£10.50 – £10.60 per hour).
Cleaners are needed to join our team, working in a friendly environment. Training for cleaning and COSHH will be provided. Applicants must be able to work alone and as part of a team.
Mid-day Supervisor: Term-time only from 12.50pm to 2.05pm each school day. NJC Scale Point 1/2 (£10. 50 - £10.60 per hour).
The post involves supervision of the students and assisting with the smooth running of the canteen service.
For further details, job description or an application pack for the above posts please contact:
Mrs H Wallace, Office Manager. Email: vacancies@rugbyhighschool.co.uk. Telephone: 01788 819500
Visit the vacancies web page
|
|
|
For RHS Students ONLY
If you have a concern about another student, please fill in this form to report your concern.
For more information about Wellbeing including resources and links to our DSL's, please visit our Wellbeing page here.
|
|
|
Please find below information that has been passed to us that may be of interest to you and your family.
Warwickshire Family Information Service Newsletter
6th July Edition
|
|
|
The School Newsletter is sent out every other Thursday during Term time.
|
|
