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Headteacher’s Postscript
Southfield
CUMBRIA COUNTY COUNCIL
Newsletter Issue 1 September 2004
Mrs Lockhart receives MBE
I took up my position at Southfield
Tuesdays has been devoted to Beginners Technology College knowing I had
Computing class which is constantly full. The
students are given an introduction to word been lucky enough to be appointed
processing, spreadsheets, Internet, email and to one of the top 10 most improved
presentation graphics which will enable them to schools in the country.
take these skills further if they wish.
A new CLAIT course runs on Wednesdays, This came with a membership to
(Computer Literacy and Information Technology). the very prestigious DfES “Most
This is a supported course which enables Improved Club” and a very special
students to work at their own pace through the
variety of units which include word processing, dinner in London with other
spreadsheets, databases, desktop publishing and successful schools.
using a computer. Some students are working on
a CLAIT Plus course. What I did not know about were
Thursday sees the computer maintenance course the many “hidden jewels” tucked
in operation. The students here learn practical away inside this college.
skills that enable them to repair and upgrade their
computers. I have been impressed many times
In addition there is open access on each of these since I joined the college, in April
nights where students can follow their own 2004, with the innovative and
interests. Many students make use of the Internet
facilities.
inclusive nature of Southfield The 5th of May 2004 began as a very ordinary day. like a star.
Technology College. On returning home after a hectic day at Southfield
All these activities have been totally free to users, Technology College I was about to sit down to my Saturday arrived with it my picture in the paper,
except where digital photography printing takes Working in partnership with evening meal when my husband told me that I had hourly announcements in local radio and the
place. Here a small charge is made to cover the phone began to ring. Friends called with flowers,
cost of special papers and inks needed where
Primary Schools, the Community, a letter from the Prime Minister. He laughed and
one bunch were red, white and blue, champagne
Business and Industry and said, ‘’he is writing to ask you not to retire as there
necessary. is a shortage of teachers!’’ as I thought it would be and cards.
The centre endeavours to meet the needs of all neighbouring comprehensive just an educational circular I ate my tea. However The cards and letters are still coming and it’s
users where possible through the expertise of our schools is simply ‘just a way of it WAS from the Prime Minister’s office and it said: lovely to read the compliments from people I have
dedicated, professional staff who are always life’. ‘’The Prime Minister has it in mind to recommend not seen for many years, one from my junior
happy to discuss news areas for development. to Her Majesty on the occasion of her official schoolteacher, Ministers for Education have
This newsletter illustrates only a birthday that you be awarded an MBE.’’ written recognising the award and sending a
certificate for the College to display with an
of Medicine. small sample of the quality
Tesco Computers for Schools
I went cold. I could not believe what I was reading. invitation inviting me to lunch in London. Another
Many parents attended this prestigious event
activities that have been offered to It was a shock, a complete surprise. In disbelief I new outfit maybe!
which marks the end of school life and the start of vouchers 2004 our students this year, all of which spent the evening saying “Why me, what had I
done to make me so special to deserve this So what next? In November I will be off to Chess
further education or work. Thanks to parents and students for collecting ensure their learning experiences honour?” The letter said I had to keep it a secret, Buckingham palace to receive my award. I will be
4946 vouchers enabling us to order a flatbed are rich in variety and full of nervous and excited but I am really looking
tell no-one and I had to reply immediately to say if
scanner for the library. forward to the day. I can take three people with On Monday 24th May. The Southfield Chess
opportunities. I would accept. Of course I did, but that night I
Community Centre could not sleep. I was going to meet the Queen me so my husband, son and sister will be there to
watch the ceremony.
Club season came to a close with the
championship finals and awards presentation.
Now our Web Site is up and and visit Buckingham Palace. It would mean a
new outfit, hair, bag, gloves, and I would have to It’s been a good year with chess becoming more
running why not visit it and find out Afterwards, I have promised I will be back to see
practise a curtsey and not fall over! I was terrified. popular and the standard of play improving.
The Community Centre operates four nights a you all and bring in the award with my
week, Monday – Thursday, and provides a variety
more about the college. photographs. And in a future newsletter I will tell The under 14’s and under 16’s championship
The next month seemed to take forever. Have you
of taught and assisted courses that are proving ever tried to keep a secret that big for so long? On you all about the day. finals were an exciting finish to the year. Jason
very popular and are often over-subscribed. Friday 11 June at 12 noon I knew the press would Sparks last year’s winner was set to complete a
double as he had also won the under 16’s
On Mondays a very popular digital Photography Lynda Dalkin probably contact me before the list was made
league taking 11 wins from 13 matches.
course has run showing students many public on the Saturday of the Queen’s official
However Shane Wilkinson had other ideas and
techniques and skills to allow them to make the Head Teacher birthday. By one o’clock I had spoken to the local
pushed Jason on to the defence eventually
most of their new equipment. paper and in the afternoon the photographer came
into college to take photographs. I began to feel winning a tense game and becoming this year’s
12 All newsletters are available on the college’s web-site: www.southfieldtc.org.uk All newsletters are available on the college’s web-site: www.southfieldtc.org.uk 1
champion. Year 8 have been exploring the joys of web
design this year, using their own images and Work in the Design and
Due to the increasing popularity of the game we
held an under 14’s final for the first time. Danny
creating their own sounds. The quality of some of Technology Department
the web pages has been outstanding. They are
Rickerby, runner-up in the under 14’s league beat also learning how to use search engines
Chris Vevers in a close match and became a effectively, a very useful tool if they are to use the
deserving champion. The under 14’s league was World Wide Web efficiently for their studies.
Links with the Community
won by Kris Brown who won 10 of his 11 matches, Further information and advice can be obtained
quite an achievement and something to aim to from the Google web site using the URL http://
beat next year! www.google.com/help/basics.html.
At the beginning of May Shane Wilkinson, Jason Year 7 have enjoyed, among other things, the
Sparks, Stuart Browne & Daniel McHugh experience of using computers to control things.
competed in the regional finals of the UK Chess They have found it to be a very simple and logical
challenge, a national schools chess competition. exercise with immediate feedback. They have also
All four boys played well with Jason managing to thoroughly enjoyed learning how to use CAD,
get through to the next round to be held at especially when using a scale. Many of them have
Manchester Metropolitan University. stayed back after school to improve their plans.
The Chess Club has become popular with boys in It looks as if the ICT GNVQ results this year are
years 9 & 11 but pupils in other years are very above those of previous years. Each of these
welcome. GNVQs is worth 4 GCSEs at grade C or above. As part of the Technology College Community
Are there any chess playing girls out there? If The pressure is now on for year 10 to continue the Plan, 23 pupils from the Year 10 GCSE
there are come along to the library on Monday trend and they must ensure that their coursework Manufacturing group produced 6 benches fro the
lunchtimes and show the boys how to play! is up to date before the end of the year. Mums Broughton Cross Parish
and Dads are welcome to come to the ICT rooms
to provide help and guidance to their sons and Council. Ruth Lindsay, who made the request
A2 Product Design
daughters after school. through Stewart Gimber, received the benches on
Southfield Chess Club Roll of the 17th July and presented the students with
The ICT club is being well used, either to Richard Blaney, an ex Southfield pupil and
Honour 2004 complete homework in their many subjects or to
book vouchers as a token of her thanks.
member of the Workington Sixth Form, is shown
relax and enjoy using computers for fun. Pupils Links with Primary Schools here with the Mountain Board which he tested on
have found that there is always someone around the fells at Buttermere.
Under 14’s championship winner Danny Rickerby to help with any problems that they may have. It is On the 13th July, 36 pupils from local primary
(9TSM) Runner up Chris Vevers (9ANI) open from 8.00 am until 5.00 pm and all are schools took part in the annual college As well as some clever engineering in the making
welcome providing Mum knows where you are. Technology competition. Year 5 pupils responded of the truck assembly, advanced computer aided
Under 16’s championship winner Shane Wilkinson design, CAD, was also incorporated in the design
(11DAI) Runner up Jason sparks (11DAI) in a mature way developing individual outcomes
Tip of the month: If you want superscript, like the based on the “Jitter Bug” theme. Mr Alan Nanson, stages.
Under 14’s league winner Kris Brown (9SMC) 0 in 50C, highlight the 0 and hold the Ctrl and Shift teacher in charge of Systems and Control at
keys down and tap the = key. To get subscript as Richard starts university in September to study
Southfield organised the event, with support from furniture design, yet another successful student
Under 16’s league winner Jason Sparks (11DAI) in H2O, highlight the 2 and hold the Ctrl key down Mr David Ainley. Much fun was had by all – no from the Design and Technology assembly line.
only and press the = key. doubt by some dads as well when the children got
home that night!
Applied GCSE Business
Studies students visit Rheged
the expeditions, but there is much more to the
award, the students have to manage the other
Samantha Bateman wins the
Discovery Centre
areas of development themselves, which builds competition
their confidence and self-esteem. Expeditions
have been in the Lake District National Park, in
Borrowdale and Ennerdale. Year 8 pupils took part in a county wide
Year 10 and 11 students were guests of Rheged competition to design a poster to promote The
Discovery centre in October. The organisation This year ten students have just started their Shared Care Scheme which offers respite for
provided a rare insight into its operations - Bronze Award and are off to Ennerdale and children with disabilities. Shared Carers help to
students visited the ‘nerve centre’ of the operation Buttermere on the 3-4 July, they have successfully look after children with disabilities on a respite
and helped to suggest changes and planned their routes and prepared their equipment
improvements to the services offered by the for off.
business. The work provided students with lots of
Year eleven, although finished their exams are not
background information which could be used to
forgotten and are currently helping the Fire
complete coursework requirements once they
Service by cutting up scrap cars in their parking
returned to school.
lot, and receiving some training on breathing
apparatus. This has been a very positive non-
academic ending to their time at Southfield
Work Experience Technology College, and some will continue with
their Silver award next year at Sixth form.
Year 11 pupils undertook a week of work The current plan is in October to take the Fire
experience in October. Sixty local employers Service to another level with a trip to Cumbria
kindly offered their help. Organisations taking part Training Centre in Barrow for full breathing
included , amongst others, BNFL, Corus, apparatus in a smoke filled centre.
Iggesund Paperboard, CG Ford, Millcroft
Veterinary service and Cumbria Newspapers.
ICT news sheet
The Duke of Edinburgh’s
Dr Michael Williams presents
9N1 were very nearly the winners of the lottery! If
Award Scheme only they had noted the numbers that Mr
Carpenter had predicted. They were learning how
to use the Random function in Excel and were
awards
This is the first year the Duke of Edinburgh Award looking at the numbers that were generated by
at Southfield Technology College for some time, this function. The Random function used is Ex Southfield and Sixth Form Centre pupil, Dr
and has been a great success with about ten =RANDBETWEEN(1,49). Every time the F9 key is Michael Williams presented the Year 11 Records
students well set to complete their Bronze Award pressed, a new number is randomly generated of Achievements during July.
this summer. The award offers four areas of between 1 and 49 (you can probably see how it
development; a skill (such as chess), a sport (like works). If you can’t do this at home, you will need Michael was a student at Southfield between 1990
rugby), a community service (currently being to load the Analysis ToolPack add-in. and 1995 and after studying at the Sixth From
done) and the expeditions. Most people only see Centre studied to be a doctor at Newcastle School
2 All newsletters are available on the college’s web-site: www.southfieldtc.org.uk All newsletters are available on the college’s web-site: www.southfieldtc.org.uk 11
work of the community of St. Michael’s. Bullying, Drugs, Sex and Relationships Education,
Alcohol Awareness, Diet and Exercise.
We were once again shown around the church by
St. Michael’s Education Officer, Mrs Pat Martin,
the former Head of St. Michael’s Infant School,
who is a mine of information about the history of ‘Macbeth’ with the Royal
St. Michael’s and Workington. This year, Year 9
student, Daniel Marsden, gave a presentation to Shakespeare Company
all the groups about his work as a bell ringer.
On their return to Southfield students completed
their church visit workbooks. Some students will
choose to complete an extra project about the
church over the summer break and will be in line
for prizes!
Year 9 Putting Citizenship to
the Vote!
Rehearsals are now underway for our forthcoming
production of ‘Macbeth’, which will be performed
at Whitehaven's Rosehill Theatre in October as
part of the RSC’s Shakespeare Schools Festival.
Pictured here are members of the cast who basis to give their parents a break. Samantha
worked for two days in June with local actor, Roy Bateman won the competition and saw her poster
Blackburn. printed and distributed throughout Cumbria. Laura college funded by Aim Higher, encouraging pupils sketchbooks. For many pupils the highlight of the
Morris was successful as runner up. A reward to undertake further higher education courses. trip was the visit to the Salvador Dali Museum.
Sixth Form Centre
a workbook to ensure they made the most of the ceremony and exhibition was held at Southfield Dali, a surrealist artist, devoted the last year of his
linguistic opportunities offered by this educational Year 9 pupils have worked at the college using life to building the outrageously strange museum
where parents and members of the Social
visit. Plans are already underway for next year’s their digital suite. where visitors can see eggs on the roof tops and
Services Family Placement Team enjoyed
visit to Rudesheim in Germany, where pupils will Smartpact celebrating the success of all the entries. loaves of bread on the exterior. Many of his
have a similar opportunity to further their interest famous works are housed in the museum. Each
In the summer term students from Year 9 learned
in language learning at Southfield.
about Government and Democracy first hand from
The Smartpact scheme with St Martin's College
Other work in the Art room became a delight to the pupils as they
pondered and gasped their way around.
Year 7 visit a place of two local councillors, Mr Bill Doran and Mr Peter
Bales. Councillor Doran, a Workington Town
allows students following the BTEC Early Years Cumbria Institute of Art and department Pupils worked hard during the day filling their
worship Councillor and Councillor Bales, an Allerdale
course privileged access to a variety of
undergraduate courses at the college. Design Lectures sketchbooks with drawings and research from
District Councillor visited three Year 9 classes to Year 11 pupils enjoyed creating 3D felt and each venue. Night time was more relaxed with
talk about their work and why they are so
interested in serving the community they live in. Newcastle Partners Scheme The art dept has establish good links with the
sculptural working using natural materials. The
workshops took place during the holidays and
enjoyable meals in local restaurants and walks
down the Ramblas enjoying the street
Cumbria Institute of Art and Design. Lecturers entertainment. As always, pupils’ behaviour was
Students were keen to find answers to questions weekends at Southfield and the College.
from the college and Southfield art staff have been outstanding. Although exhausted everyone had an
about the provision of local amenities, particularly The Sixth Form is the first centre in Cumbria to working with pupils from year 9 and 11 during Year 10 pupils took part in a workshop at Tullie amazing time.
leisure facilities for young people. Both councillors sign up as a partner school with the University of weekends and holidays. House which encourage pupils to engage with
were keen to explain that local democracy works Newcastle. This scheme allows our students a Next trip: New York in 2006.
theatre design. Pupils learnt the principles of set
best when everyone gets involved and they urged special entry route into the university and access The workshops have consisted of “funky felt” 3D
and costume design.
all the students to contact their local councillors to a Summer School and a wide range of other work with felt, sculpture with natural materials and
and voice their opinions. activities. “Illuminated Illustrated”- computer art. Gifted and Talented pupils have been working
The workshops were held at Southfield and the art
with groundwork to produce tiles for a mosaic floor Work in the Mathematics
9N1 and 9N3 students followed up the visits by
forming their own political parties, writing
at the Community Centre. Pupils have given their
department
Hastings Schools
time after school to work with Mrs Tinkler to
manifestos and holding a political campaign. Next produce the 100’s of ceramic tiles that made up
year’s Government and Democracy lessons the mosaic.
should prove even more exciting as they may well
be taking place at the time of a General Election Queen’s College, Oxford, has strong links with the The Art Department supported Rock Challenge by
What has become a key element of the Year 7
when we hope to hold a parallel election in school. north of England and Cumbria in particular. painting the set for their production. Year 7 and 8
calendar again took place over the course of the
three days in July when Year 7 students visited If you would like to be a candidate, register your pupils helped the staff paint the two scenes based
A number of schools in the county have historical
the parish church of St. Michael’s in Workington. interest with Miss Wigham or Mr Leary. around school life.
links with the college. The Sixth form centre and
Southfield Technology College are part of this
Showing we CaRE
Since the rebuilding and reopening of St. The Art Department has increased it’s resources
historical link and are referred to as Hastings and now has a dark room where Miss Jenkins will
Michael’s following their terrible fire, over five
schools. Over recent years the link with Queen’s introduce Photography at VCE and GCSE level.
hundred Southfield students have visited the
has been revived and during the last five years
church as part of their Year 7 Religious Education We have decided to take the L-plates off our Mrs Tinkler and Miss Jenkins have been working
students from Queen’s have visited Workington
curriculum. The focus of the visit is to enable youngest National Curriculum subject as it has on a website to help teachers and students
and met both staff and students. This link has
students to understand the roles of the church as passed the test with all our students who think it is succeed at the Double Award Applied Art and
encouraged students to successfully apply for
a place of worship and also as a centre for the a winner! Citizenship now has the status it Design. They have used their experience and
places at Oxbridge with the centre sending
community. deserves as a fully-fledged subject at Southfield success at GCSE and AVCE to provide the
students there in three of the last four years.
and in recognition of its popularity we have materials for the site.
Typical comments from students on entering the Twenty seven of our Gifted and Talented pupils
decided to rename and re-brand the RE/PSHE
building are: from Year 7 and 8 entered the United Kingdom
department to CaRE (Citizenship and Religious
Junior Mathematics Challenge. The Junior
“Wow!” “It is awesome.” “I didn’t think that
churches were like this.” “I thought it would be
Education). The title reflects the key themes
taught in these subject areas. Students have been
Sutton Trust Barcelona 2004 art Mathematics Challenge is a difficult mathematics
enrichment course
boring but it is really interesting.” “I thought it invited to design a logo for the newly named examination designed to thoroughly test the more
would be cold and dark and creepy but it is warm department. able pupils in the United Kingdom. Six of our
This year two of Southfield’s Sixth form students pupils gained a bronze certificate:-
and friendly.” “The windows are beautiful.” have gained places on the prestigious Sutton
But what about poor Personal, Social and Health
Whilst there, students work in groups to study the Education? study weeks. Rachel Huddart will be spending a Pupils from Yrs 10 – 12 took part in the trip, which Rachel Horner (Yr 8) Laura Carruthers (Yr 7)
body of the church and how people worship there, week at Nottingham University studying Biology was designed to broaden their cultural awareness
Well, PSHE will also have a new focus. From whilst improving their art skills. Alisha Evans (Yr 8) Stephen Brown (Yr 7)
the baptistery, the bell tower, the symbolism of the and Marion Dakers will be spending the week at
September, PSHE will be delivered through Oxford University studying Law. Megan Higgins (Yr 8) Richard Litt (Yr 7)
stained glass windows, the history of St. This was the third successful trip. Pupils delighted
special “Health” days when the timetable will be
Michael’s, how the history of Workington can be in the architecture by Gaudi. His mosaics and And one of our pupils did even better gaining a
suspended and students will take part in talks,
traced through the church, the graveyard and the curvy buildings became inspirations for their silver certificate:- Luke Hudson (Yr 7)
activities and workshops about issues such a
10 All newsletters are available on the college’s web-site: www.southfieldtc.org.uk All newsletters are available on the college’s web-site: www.southfieldtc.org.uk 3
The seven pupils above did extremely well as it is Pupils afterwards sat down for a well deserved modules of work and will have a “critical friend” the National Curriculum in promoting health and Year 10. The GCSE group attended the Holocaust
very difficult to gain the marks to gain the cup of tea. Staff enjoyed the chocolate cake who will observe the work in class and hopefully fitness. Work in the History Memorial day at Lakes College where they heard
appropriate certificates. made with bread and cocoa powder. this will lead to further discussion, collaboration
and an increased level of awareness of catering Hayley Price, an ex-Olympic gymnast, visited the department the stories of Holocaust survivors at first hand.
This is an annual event and next year’s GCSE will
To get a gold certificate you need to get 75 marks for G&T pupils in lessons – this was the main school and gave a demonstration and also be offered the same experience.
or better, a feat which is achieved by less than 5% focus of the G&T action plan this year. participated in an aerobics session with Year 6
of the United Kingdom, and should you get more partner primary schools and Year 7 pupils. Year 7 visit the Senhouse Roman museum and
than 100 marks, (achieved by approximately 1% the Maritime museum in Maryport in early July.
of the United Kingdom) you are invited to sit an Tennis They see the finds excavated from the Maryport
even more difficult paper as a part of the Junior Work in the Geography Year 7 and Year 8 pupils have received coaching
site, and have the opportunity to try and re-create
Mathematics Olympiad. any artefact they have seen out of clay.
department in their PE lessons from the Sport Development
Jenna Lamb in Year 8 scored an incredible 104 Officer for tennis.
marks and has been invited to sit the Junior
Mathematics Olympiad paper – absolutely The Year 10 Geographers are part of the OCR Hockey/Badminton coaching Modern Languages
fantastic. Well done Jenna! Pilot for the new hybrid GCSE, only one of 20
schools in the whole country selected by the
This takes place every Monday after school. Year
6 partner pupils and Year 7 Southfield pupils
department trip to Paris
examination board. They sat their only
Standard Attainment Test examination paper in June this year and
receive coaching in the above activities.
70 pupils from years 7,8 and 9 spent 4 days in
Results
completed a portfolio of work to gain a half GCSE
and the full award in next year's with two portfolios
Activities Carousel Paris in July, enjoying an eclectic mix of cultural,
of coursework. social and linguistic activities. The Modern
Year 5 and year 6 partner primary pupils receive Languages department has a tradition of
57.3% of our pupils in Year 9 gained a level 5 or The Year 11 had a very reasonable set of GCSE coaching periods of four weeks in each of the organising such visits each year to bring to life the
better in the Key Stage 3 examinations. Well Year 11 challenge: 967 papers and their coursework was satisfactory, following activities rugby, netball, and basketball. languages the pupils learn in the classroom. This
cakes in 5 hours
done to all. although the more able did not take advantage of was the first time in Paris for several years,
the extra support offered by the department.
Multi sports activity area however. It was considered a great success by
The PE department has just started to benefit pupils and staff alike – despite the terrors of
Work in the Modern Motivated by Children in Need the year 11 Food
Year 12 had a change of teacher as the Head of
Department left at Easter and Mr Guthrie had to from their new multi sports activity area which will negotiating the Champs Elysée safely with 70
Languages department Technology (catering) group came up with the cover the lessons. Their examination papers were be used during lessons, at lunchtimes and after
school.
pupils! After the culture of Versailles, the Eiffel
Tower and a boat trip on the river Seine there was
idea of raising money by baking a cake for every in line with the teaching although their
person on school premises that day. All 9 pupils time for relaxed enjoyment at the Aquaboulevard
examination techniques, especially question swimming complex and then Disneyland Paris.
Our PGCE trainee teacher, Katie Barron, has just and two staff baked non-stop for five hours choice was a little disappointing. All but one
achieving the target by the end of lesson 5. Pupils were set several assignments in the form of
finished a very successful teaching practice in the student will continue into Year 13 and follow the
department. Our close liaison with St. Martin’s A2 course.
Outcome: 967 cakes baked and decorated. More
College in Lancaster ensures that we remain at
than £150 raised for Children in Need. Most The Year 13 A2 examination papers were good
the cutting edge of new thinking in Modern
common phrase” I don’t want to see another cake for our students and we feel that they were well
Foreign Languages.
this week Miss!” prepared by the teaching staff.
We are planning a visit to Montreal, Canada next
year for pupils in Year 9 and above. This will Due to the absence of a Head of Department this
term there has not been the usual field trips for
entail some fundraising by the pupils to help
finance the trip. We have already received £2,500 Gifted and Talented Year 7 and 9.
towards the trip in sponsorship, so are well on our The new Head of Department, Dr. Rachel
way. Atherton, from Reading will be in post for the start
Many pupils have benefited from several initiatives
this term funded by either G&T or Aim Higher. Art of the new year in September.
have run courses with Carlisle College of Art.
Year 7 Languages Festival Miss Nixon has continued work with Year 8 and 9
started at Dove Cottage, she is also doing work on
Macbeth and a professional actor has had two
Retailing vocational course
This year the Languages department decided to days’ workshops with the group this term. Eleven
hold a Languages Festival for all students in Year staff are giving up time in the summer holidays to The students, who started this new vocational
7. Each class from 7N1 to 7S3 took part and attend a two day workshop on teaching G&T course, taught both by the Lakes College staff and
enjoyed the afternoon’s events. pupils at Netherhall School which has been Mr Guthrie from our college has been very
organised by the G&T Cluster. They will work on successful. All the students who completed their
Each class was asked to learn and to perform a
song in the language they are studying. The effort
and enthusiasm put in by the classes and the
performances on the day were excellent.
It was clear that everyone involved was proud and
that the afternoon was a great success as each
class came up for their prestigious awards. Three
adjudicators judged the songs. The supreme
champions this year were 7N3 (French) and 7S1
(German). The festival proved that learning a
language can be fun and entertaining. We are
already looking forward to next year!
Work in the Learning Support
department
Summer term has proved busy for both pupils and
staff. Mr Lolli attended a course in Leeds, Mrs
Smith trained and accompanied pupils to Rock
Challenge, Mr Chetwynd continued to successfully
train the girls football teams.
Year 11 pupils studying Care spent a morning at
Westfield Nursery assisting the children on a ‘bug
hunt’.
As part of their History topic on World War II, 9S4
made carrot cakes and ‘Skirley mirley’ being
typical examples of wartime fare during rationing.
4 All newsletters are available on the college’s web-site: www.southfieldtc.org.uk All newsletters are available on the college’s web-site: www.southfieldtc.org.uk 9
first year have gained their Level 1 in Retailing which has secured it a niche position in a very of the questioning panel, a member of the Royal
and will go onto the Level 2 course in Year 11 competitive market (those 18 year old students in Institute, commented that our demonstration was
which is equivalent to a GCSE. the group also got an opportunity to sample a simple mechanics beautifully demonstrated and
range of beers free of charge). the teams delivery inspired. I honestly thought we
The students have been on a number of were going to win.
vocational placements during the course and have The second visit gave students a unique insight
appeared in the local press. The course has come into the world of commodities trading. The London We came second to a superb presentation on
to the notice of the QCA and has been put on their Metal Exchange is the only exchange where deals density delivered by an independent school lower
web-site as an example of good practice. are still struck on the ‘Trading Floor’ and the visit sixth form.
gave students the chance to observe the rituals
and behaviour of these men in funny coloured One of the judges confided in me later that we had
his vote and that it had been a close call.
Cragrats ‘Choices at 16’
jackets as they competed with each other to strike
deals for their clients. The team was: -
theatre performance Finally, students were guests of Tony Jason Sparks Superman
All year 11 pupils enjoyed a performance of this Cunningham MP at the Westminster Parliament.
presentation which was designed to enlighten After a guided tour of the palace, Mr Cunningham Vicky Butler Lois lane
Year 11 pupils about their choices after GCSEs. obtained privileged access for the group to the Andrew Gibson Superman’s super
members’ areas - they had a question and answer assistant
session with Mr Cunningham on the commons
Billy Cunningham Percy Scribbler,
Cumbria Institute of the Arts terrace before ascending to the roof of the
parliament building for a birds eye view of the city Daily Planet reporter
of Westminster.
Emma Blaney Narrator
10 Gifted and Talented year 11 Art pupils were the
guests of Cumbria Institute of the Arts on 3rd Well done all of them and next year for sure!!
March 2004. During the visit they had the Student Investors
opportunity to discuss Further Education and
Higher Education courses and investigate some of
the career opportunities in Arts related For the fourth year in succession Southfield BTEC First Diploma in Applied
occupations. Technology College students have got through to
the quarter final stage of a national schools
Science
competition (the Proshare Student Investment
Challenge.) Each team of four investors were
Moving On project given a virtual £100,000 to invest in stocks and
Southfield Science Department has led the way
again, being the first school in the North of
shares. Their performance as a team was England to gain approval to run the above
monitored over a 4-month period and those who qualification for its Key Stage 4 students.
Two groups of year 11 pupils (12 girls and 12 achieved the highest returns went through to the
boys) took part in this project (delivered by the The course is at the cutting edge of vocational
quarter final stage. This year’s successful team
Connexions Service). The project, delivered over education and allows students to study such
was “The Pilchards” (Richard Dakers, Mark
4 weeks, was designed to help pupils make the Benson, Aaron Clark and Katherine Bull from year topics as ‘Science in the Workplace’, and ‘The
transition between school and a range of post 16 Work of the Science Technician’, however
10.) In the previous year, a team of four Year 12
Allerdale 5-a-side competition. Girls’ football has gone from strength to strength represent Allerdale in the Year 7 County options. traditional topics are not forgotten and students
girls narrowly missed out on the trip of a lifetime to
this year with teams presenting the school at Championships. New York, when they were runners up at the last will still be expected to study Physics, Chemistry
County and District every age group.
The following pupils were selected to represent hurdle, the regional final, to an independent and Biology, but in a vocational setting.
Representation Year 7 girls won the Allerdale Youth Games 6-a- Allerdale at the County Cross-country Opposites Attract school from Ireland. Assessment is by portfolio and the absence of
side competition and therefore represented the Championships in Barrow. externally set exams makes it an attractive
Craig Johnston, of Year 9 represented the county
District in the County Youth Games competition. proposition. Successful candidates will be
Under 14 team. Boys: Year 11 Damon Walker, Shane Hadfield
Liam Wilson, Craig Whitehead, Craig Johnston
The squad consisted of the following pupils:
Girls: Year 7 Lyndsey Miller, Dara Ley, Sian
12 year 9 pupils attended this Learning Skills
Council event at Westlakes Science Park in April.
Paperclips Physics awarded the equivalent to four GCSE grades from
A* to C.
competition
Amber Thompson, Gemma McGee, Laura Currier,
and Nicky Blinco represented Allerdale Under 14 Ley Year 8 Stacey Brash The half-day session focused on fighting gender
Megan Yarnold, Dara Ley, Danielle Hillhouse, We will commence delivery of the course in
team. Year 11 Lisa Murphy stereotypes in employment. Students listened very
Michaela Banks and Demi Rickerby. September to a carefully selected cohort of
carefully to a series of talks by inspirational figures
John Miller and Carl Blinco represented Allerdale Lyndsey Miller also represented the County in a students. Exciting times lie ahead for the science
Year 8 squad attended a tournament at Blackburn who had fought stereotypes to forge a successful Each year the Southfield Technology College
Under 13 team. North of England triangular Cross-country fixture, career in a range of industries – female fire- department.
Rovers training ground. Science department enter a team of year 11
Cumbria v Durham V Northumbria V Cleveland, fighters, male nurses, women in engineering etc. pupils into the above competition run by the
Rugby District Representation finishing 7th and since then has been awarded University of Central Lancashire. The point of the
County Colours for cross-country.
District Training
Jessica Courier Year 9 was selected to represent
exercise is for a team of 4/5 year 11 or 12 pupils
Year 9 visit to Eskdale
Ride of life
to deliver a 5-minute presentation, before an
The following pupils attended Allerdale District Allerdale. audience of non-scientists, on any basic
Rugby training at Under 13 and Under 14 levels: fundamental point of physics. The demonstration
Netball can only use everyday household equipment,
Year 8: Scott George, Paul Melville, Keith Hunter, Year 10 pupils visited the inaugural Learning
Jason Graham and Luke Grima. The following pupils took part in County trials at must contain NO formulae or calculations and
Theme Park at the Newtonrigg campus of the
netball: must be delivered without notes. At the end of the
Year 9: Kyle Sewell, Mark Chambers, Liam University of Central Lancashire in March.
delivery the team is questioned by members of the
Wilson, Nicky Cook, Michael Smith, Matthew Year 7: Sharne Lawson, Dara Ley, Sian Ley During the day long visit students got the audience AND a doctor of physics on various
Gibson and Robert Hodgson. opportunity to experience a range of skills and points of the science behind the team’s
Year 9: Kathryn Manning
The Under 13 squad got through to the careers – from animal care to engineering to presentation.
Year 10: Stephanie McBeth digital media production and many more. So
quarterfinal stage of the County Cup competition. This year the Cumbria heat of the competition
popular has this proved that we plan to make this
Under 12 Netball team had a very successful took place at the Westlake’s Science Park near
event an annual occurrence.
season finishing 2nd in the Allerdale/Copeland Whitehaven. Our team decided to present the idea
Girls’ football Netball League. of ‘Terminal Velocity’ (basically how fast an object
falls towards the earth) as a story of the comic
Athletics Advanced Business Studies hero character Superman explaining to Lois Lane
and other staff members of the ‘Daily Planet’ in
The following pupils were selected to represent London Residential Metropolis how he figures out the terminal velocity A group of 21 Year Nine students visited the
Allerdale at the County Athletics Championship. Initiatives driven forward of people falling from aeroplanes and tall buildings school’s outdoor centre at Eskdale on Wednesday
23rd June with Mr Hall and Mrs Lockhart. We set
Year 9 Boys: Matthew Baker, Matthew Gibson,
Kyle Sewell
through the School Sport In June 25 Business Studies students spent four
and so catches and saves them.
off after morning registration for the journey to the
Year 8 Girls: Stacey Brash
Co-ordinator Programme days in London. During the visit they had the
opportunity to see the operation of Young Brewery
They went on to represent Cumbria at the
northwest regional final of the competition held in
centre.
March in Preston. Of the eight teams presenting Once arrived there was unpacking and setting up
- one of the few remaining breweries in the world
Year 9 Girls: Star Higgins five were sixth form pupils and three were to do.
still using the traditional methods of ale making.
Year 10 Girls: Stephanie Harper
Super Kids Fitness Foundation This visit focused on how the business has used independent schools. Rucsacs and bags were taken upstairs to the two
A fun fitness and fund raising initiative to support this approach to devise a marketing strategy dorms and then the downstairs recreation room
Year 7 Boys: Jordan Falcon was selected to At the end of our presentation a scientist member
8 All newsletters are available on the college’s web-site: www.southfieldtc.org.uk All newsletters are available on the college’s web-site: www.southfieldtc.org.uk 5
the power station. In the event the winners of the
evening were not the England team but the
midges. We all had lumps and bumps from the
day’s activities, including Mrs Dalkin!
Needless to say we did go swimming again, all
together twice that day!
We eventually sat down at the centre to enjoy a
review of the day and to chat about the personal
achievements made by members of the group
and how they had been so different than how
they are in a classroom! Conversation continued
well past midnight.
A busy morning followed by much tidying up
before a last swim and lunch. Bacon
sandwiches, pizza, apple pie and cheesecake
filled a hole before a final tidy up and a last
photo of the group in front of the centre and the
journey home.
Many memories and many adventures. Many
happy times with superbly behaved students
whose company it was a privilege to share.
Copies of the images taken during the visit,
The college entered for the first time this year,
performing at The Sands Centre, Carlisle, on April Cumbria Cruise 2004 coffin etc of Tutankhamen. After lunch at the world
famous Mena House Oberoi Hotel we left Cairo to
including one super video clip of Philip Woodend 30th. The theme ‘Simunye - Friends Will Be go back to the ship and after tea the disco and
doing a somersault into Trough House pool from Friends’ represented the conflicts between friends At Easter, Southfield pupils travelled the world Pop Idol competition beckoned.
off the side can be viewed in a new folder, in rival cheerleading teams. Christa Kreuger visiting many interesting and beautiful countries.
was transformed. area to visit the famous 25 metre high waterfall Our next stop was a day tour of the beautiful
marked “Eskdale”, in Student Work Out on the choreographed the performance incorporating
set amongst such jungley vegetation. Despite ideas from the pupils taking part. Gifted and We flew from Birmingham to Athens where we Greek Island of Santorini where we sailed into an
Mrs Lockhart soon arrived after picking up fresh school’s network.
the light showers we all walked out of the access Talented art pupils designed and painted the set. toured the city travelling past the first Olympic extinct volcano. From here we went to Rhodes
bread and milk and then the fun began putting
area above the falls and across wild slopes The college were awarded with two of the special Stadium to the Acropolis which overlooks the city. Island and walked along Mandraki harbour of
food away on shelves, in the fridge or freezer and
below Gate Crag with peregrine falcons awards; ‘Student Leadership’ and ‘Performers We then travelled by sea to Egypt. While at sea Rhodes Town past the famous windmills and to
generally setting up the kitchen.
shrieking above us before dropping back down ‘The Big World Sing’ Choice’. students were in lectures and had bridge visits, at the site of the Colossus of Rhodes, another
We did try to have a meeting to create a plan for to the River Esk via the now redundant iron ore This event organised by The Sage, Gateshead, night there was the option of disco, cinema and wonder of the Ancient World. After some shopping
the visit but after a cramped journey surrounded mines, shafts, and levels and Gill Force bridge. took place on Thursday 1st July in the Metro Rehearsals have already begun for the 2005 Blind Date. we watched the Easter celebrations at the
by cases and bags, the majority wanted to start Radio Arena, Newcastle. Schools from across competition which will take place on April 29th Orthodox Church and at midnight watched the fire
the visit the way that it would continue, by taking a Lunch was enjoyed in the centre rather than 2005. The two days in Egypt were hectic, travelling from works display.
the North of the country were invited to learn
first plunge into the waters of Trough House staying out in the rain, but we had managed to Alexandria to Cairo city. We went to the famous
songs from around the world and join together Another day on board ship passed by quickly with
bridge. collect interesting specimens for the afternoon’s pyramids of Giza, where some students went
for a concert. 1300 pupils took part in the event more lectures, good food and a dip in the ship’s
activity, sketching, drawing, printing and painting inside Chefren’s tomb, which was guarded by the
Various degrees of bravado were on show as lads with each region representing a continent; the swimming pool. We travelled to Turkey overnight
using watercolour paints, inks, pastels and magnificent Sphinx. As we travelled around Cairo
and lasses braved the black water of the deep Cumbrian schools represented Australasia. arriving at Istanbul in the morning where we
coloured pencils. All achieved a piece of work, we saw the ‘City of the dead’, with its mosques
pool beneath the bridge, scene of Julie Walter’s including Mrs Dalkin who sketched a and elaborate tombs which have been taken over visited the blue Mosque and Seragilo Palace.
famous scene from the film “She’ll be Wearing rhododendron flower in pastel. by generations of squatters due to the lack of As weary travellers we then flew home with many
Pink Pyjamas”.
Cuban Music Workshops living space. In the evening while cruising the Nile, memories of this once in a lifetime experience.
Hot showers soon restored an appetite so packed we watched a floorshow by a Whirly Dervish and
Sport
lunches were eaten before the group walked belly dancer over supper. Overnight we stayed in
around the block, down to the little church of St. the hotel Zoser in the main City of Cairo. On the
Catherine near the River Esk, to visit the famous second day in Egypt we went to the famous
headstone of Tommy Dobson in the graveyard, Rameses II monument at Memphis and stood by Boys’ Football
and then on to Gill force bridge. Ice-creams at the the first pyramid to be built at Secara. From here
we travelled to the mosque of Mohammed Ali at Year 11 football team were beaten finalists in both
Ratty shop at Dalegarth on the way back to the the County Under 16 Cup and the Under 16
centre were refreshing before changing for team the Citadel, built by Saladin on the outskirts of
Cairo. We then went to the Cairo Museum and District Cup competitions.
building exercises in the centre’s woodland.
Work in the Music saw the beautiful death mask, jewellery, gold Year 8 squad got through to the final of the
The “Supply Run” and “Walking the rope” were all
enjoyed, that is after we had managed to throw Department
two ropes high up into the trees in order to set up.
Football and rugby were enjoyed in the field after In March year 8 pupils experienced African
a hearty meal of chicken and chips, peas and drumming with ‘Kuzari’, a group who have worked
beans, sticky toffee pudding and custard. We also Mrs Lockhart has been linked to the Eskdale in several African countries.
had the pleasure of a visit by Miss Wigham who Centre since first joining the school as a pupil in On June 14th a professional Cuban band ‘Asere’
wound everyone up by repeatedly reminding us 1966 when the centre first opened and so it was performed and then led workshops in drumming, Various dance workshops have taken place
that the centre does not have television reception most fitting that on this visit, with her Year group, singing & dancing for pupils in year 7, 8 & 9 (or throughout the year, with pupils from years 7 – 11
so we would not be able to view the European Mrs Dalkin should present her with a plaque, KS3 pupils). Pupils then sang in a final taking part in workshops in Street Jazz and Break
match the day after! signed by all the students and staff, to pay performance with the band. Dancing in December. Albi visited the college in
tribute to her support and encouragement for the June giving year 7 a taste of African dance.
We viewed digital images of the days events Further African dance workshops took place in
centre over more than 30 years. She hopes to
before table tennis and team building games. July giving many year 7 – 9 pupils the opportunity
Hot drinks before bedtime with biscuits and a
return in the future when other groups visit the
centre. We hope so too!
Rock Challenge to experience African Dance.
The Rock Challenge is an anti-drug and crime
chance to review the day saw everyone in bed Pupils from years 7 – 11 enjoyed a live
We had intended to have a barbecue but with prevention initiative which takes the form of a
and sound asleep at midnight. performance of the musical ‘Grease’ at the Palace
rain still showering down we enjoyed the same performing arts competition. This competition
Thursday dawned as the forecasters had food cooked more traditionally, sausages, beef first took place in the UK in 1996 after nearly 20 Theatre, Manchester on December 18th. Pupils
predicted with grey skies and light showers. Today burgers, chips, baked beans, baked potatoes, years in Australia. The Rock Challenge is will also be experiencing the Celtic extravaganza
we were to enjoy a visit by Mrs Dalkin who, as the followed by chocolate sponge and custard. produced in the UK by the Be Your Best ‘Lord Of The Dance’ also at the Palace Theatre,
new Headteacher, had never before visited the Foundation – a registered Charity no. 1077291. Manchester on July 15th. All pupils in years 7- 10
We did manage to get out later, fighting hordes will have the opportunity to watch a talent show
centre but who was looking forward to seeing the
centre as she was used to taking groups to her
of midges, to undertake two more team building The competition consists of an eight minute on July 16th. This will give talented pupils the
exercises around 9.00 p.m. when the rain had dance based production with up to 100 chance to sing, dance and play instruments in
previous school’s outdoor centre near Hutton
stopped. Much frustration was evident as we performers per school. They devise the theme, groups or as soloists.
Roof. Needless to say we spent over an hour
negotiated the ‘Acid Stream’ to cross from one choreography, stage design and lighting as well
tidying up before she arrived around 10.00! A
side to the other and tried to lift the ‘radioactive’ as deciding which pieces of music to use.
quick inspection tour and a hot drink was followed
liquid out its nuclear flask to transport it out of
by us all taking a tour of Stanley Ghyll access
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