Newsletters

 Rugby High School - Spring 2024 Issue 11 for web

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News from Mr Grady

9th February 2024

Hello Everyone,

This half term will only have been five weeks long, and yet, as is often the case in education, we will have fitted into five weeks, what we ordinarily do in seven. In the last five weeks alone, we have seen Year 11 receive all of the mock examination feedback, we have seen year 13 sit their mock exams, we’ve had several parents’ evenings, we’ve undertaken a largescale parent and student survey, we’ve had our school production, seen Loudmouth productions, had a ski-trip and a trip to Seville, been out to see Poetry live, and attended a production of Sister Act, sat a maths challenge as well as starting the Crest project in year 9, and, this week welcoming Challenge Partners, a school review panel into the school.  If you feel tired just reading this, imagine how busy it has felt in school. 

I am currently writing this (a day late!) from a conference in Milton Keynes, where I will be in discussion (along with other school leaders) with Bridget Phillipson, the Shadow secretary of state for education, about, understandably, the “state” of education.  

I will be proudly sharing just what a wonderful experience it is that we offer here at Rugby High, but how much more improved it will be with fairer funding, not just in schools, but in all the areas that support schools: Social Care, Education and Family Services and mental health support.

I, alongside other leaders in education will be attempting to ensure that that, having worked so closely with our students in years 11 and 13 to get them in a great position for their exams this summer, that we can continue to do so with even greater impact in the coming years for our students in KS3, KS4 and those joining us in September.

We are so proud of a full, thriving and exciting half term as it comes to an end, and looking forward to the further educational experiences we are planning for our students in February and March.

Do have a restful and rejuvenating half-term break,

Stay well and safe everyone,

With all best wishes,

Mr Grady

Seville trip returns
All Day
09
February
Year 12 and 13 Maths Fest
All Day
09
February
Half term
All Day
From 12 Feb until 16 Feb
12
February
Year 8 Loudmouth Theatre
9:10am – 12:40pm
20
February
Year 12: HS2 site visit
All Day
21
February
Year 8 HPV Vaccine 1
9:00am – 11:00am
21
February

World Book Day 2024

World Book Day is on Thursday 7th March and we’ll be celebrating in school with a cake competition and a preloved books sale. Cakes will be on sale at lunchtime that day. Preloved books can now be taken to the English department ready for the book sale.

This year’s theme for dressing up is Heroes and Villains and we look forward to seeing your fabulous costumes!

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Peer Listeners

Our in-school Peer Listening program is now running for students to have someone to talk to, as a source of support and a listening ear. RH6 peer listeners are available in room 2 anytime between 1.10 - 2pm. Or if you'd like to book a specific slot, email peerlisteners@rugbyhighschool.co.uk. 

V and A trip

On Wednesday last week, Year 11 and 13 Art and Textiles students enjoyed a visit to the Victoria and Albert museum in London. The aim of the trip was to gather research and inspiration for the students’ exam projects. We hope they left feeling inspired and creative!

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Girls into Engineering Residential

If your budding engineer loves the idea of using science and maths to make a positive impact on the world, or if she's a natural problem-solver with a creative flair, then we have the perfect opportunity for her! Girls into Engineering, run by The Smallpeice Trust, invites 12 to 14-year-old female students (Years 8/9) to embark on an exciting journey at one of the UK's leading universities – Loughborough University. It is running from 13th - 15th August this year and costs £345 (If cost is a barrier please see the FAQs for more details).

This course goes beyond the classroom, offering an immersive experience where students will work alongside industry experts, testing their technical and team skills. This course is not all about learning; it's also about experiencing life away from home. Students have fun, action-packed days filled with hands-on activities and exciting challenges. And in the evenings, a carefully crafted programme of social activities, led by The Smallpeice Trust's experienced youth delivery experts and supervisors.

Find out more and book

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Routes into STEM virtual experience

'Routes into STEM' virtual experience provides an exciting opportunity to explore the various routes you can take towards your STEM career. This course is designed to enable young people to work through activities and projects at their own pace, tour a variety of institutions virtually and also have access to live career sessions and mentor panels with STEM employers.

This experience is for students in Year 9 or 10 who are interested in exploring a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). All you need is an interest in STEM and curiosity about the future. It involves approximately 20 hours of study virtually at a pace that suits you and:

  • Exploring different routes into a STEM career including College Courses, University Courses, and Apprenticeships and learning from industry
  • Live interactive sessions in school holidays and after school, allowing you to listen and ask questions to STEM students and professionals
  • Getting to work on a project set by a STEM company to look further at a career area that interests you.

The experience costs £75 but, if cost is a barrier, fully-funded places are available, please indicate your interest on the application.

Apply now

U16 Football Semi-Final

On Wednesday 24th January, our U16 Football Team took part in the Warwickshire County School’s Football Association semi-final against Southam College.

Our team was made up of Harriet, Casey-Anne, Elizabeth, Diana, Sofia, Poppy, Izzy, Ash, Zoe, Jess, Evelyn, Rosie and Ava. and the match was a highly competitive affair! Both teams showed a great determination throughout. Southam scored early in the first half, but we responded shortly afterwards through thrilling wing-play and fantastic assist by Jess and a clinical finish by Evelyn. Following this, it was a real end-to-end clash with both teams going close on a number of occasions. In the end, Southam scored three late goals and became worthy winners.

Dr Brown, Mr Phillips and Mrs Wallace would like to thank all of the students who took part. They showed a fantastic attitude throughout the match and represented the school wonderfully. It was decided that the player of the tournament would be Evelyn due to her attacking flair and inspirational leadership as captain. A special mention, as well, to Zoe who was playing against students who were two or three years older than her and showed great resilience and confidence throughout.

Final Score: RHS 1-4 Southam College

Table Tennis Championships

Daya and Anya (both Yr 12) competed in the Under 19s Individual Warwickshire Table Tennis Championships. They said "we were quite apprehensive as to how the day would go, as we have been used to playing in the Under 16s division for the past few years, and now we have jumped up to U19(!). However, we managed to bring back a 2nd and 3rd trophy for the school."

We are very proud of their achievements, and Daya will now go on to compete in the Butterfly Individual National Schools Finals, representing Warwickshire. We wish her success! 

Fencing Championships Qualifiers

Brooke (Year 12) and Emisha (Year 10) were both recently competing in the East Midlands British Youth Fencing Championships Qualifiers. Emisha won her quarter final by just one point in a closely contested match and went on to earn silver overall in the under 16s category. Brooke also came away with silver in the under 18s category.

Neither of these girls have been fencing for very long and this was Emisha's first competition, yet both have now qualified for the British Youth Championships in May, in Sheffield. Fantastic achievements. We wish them both lots of luck!

Eve Merriam
Thumbprint 

In the heel of my thumb
are whorls, whirls, wheels
in a unique design:
mine alone.
What a treasure to own!
My own flesh, my own feelings.
No other, however grand or base,
can ever contain the same.
My signature,
thumbing the pages of my time.
My universe key,
my singularity.
Impress, implant,
I am myself
of all my atom parts I am the sum.
And out of my blood and my brain
I make my own interior weather,
my own sun and rain.
Imprint my mark upon the world,
whatever I shall become.

All things Poetry found at Poetry by Heart

Jobs

Administration Assistant

NJC Pay scale 3-4
£20812 - £21189 FTE Actual £13498 - £13652)
27.5 hours per week TTO plus 1 week (39 weeks)
Start Date: 1st March 2024 (or as soon as possible after)

We are delighted to offer this exciting opportunity to join our fantastic school as an Administration Assistant, to provide support with the administrative and organisational processes within the school. The role will also be responsible for co-ordinating Educational Visits and Work Experience. They will also act as the initial point of contact for parents, visitors and other stakeholders so will be an ambassador for the school and embody the value, vision and ethos of the school in all interactions.

If you are interested in applying and would like further information on the post and an application pack, please contact Mike Sherwin by phone or email:

Phone: 07525 889925

Email: rugbyhighschool@hays.com

 

Exam Invigilators

We are currently looking to increase our existing pool of Exam Invigilators for the forthcoming examination season. No experience is necessary as training will be given but the role requires good communication skills and attention to detail.

Hours: Casual

Salary: £12.99 per hour (including holiday pay)

If you are interested in flexible working hours and are available during exam periods please contact the Heads PA on 01788 819500 or email vacancies@rugbyhighschool.co.uk with your completed application form.

Visit the website to download an application form

If you wish to know more about the role please contact the Examinations Officer on 01788 810518.

Please note this position is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure.

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 February Edition

The School Newsletter is sent out every other Thursday during Term time.