OPEN DAY 2014

‘People Who Inspire Me’

AS WE LET OUR LIGHT SHINE WE UNCONSCIOUSLY GIVE OTHER PEOPLE PERMISSION TO DO THE SAME.

Nelson Mandela

SIBFORD SCHOOL OPEN DAY 2014

Welcome to Sibford School Open Day … a day when we open our doors to current parents, prospective parents, Old Scholars and friends. We trust you will have an enjoyable day and that you will take the opportunity to see some of the many exciting things that have taken place over the last 12 months.

Our theme this year is ‘People Who Inspire Me’.

When Nelson Mandela died on 5 December 2013, there was a global outpouring of tributes for this truly inspirational man who changed the course of history.

In announcing the death, South African President Jacob Zuma, said: “This is the moment of our deepest sorrow. Our nation has lost its greatest son. Yet what made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human - we saw in him what we seek in ourselves and in him we saw so much of ourselves.”

A less publicised tribute was made by Sibford’s Head of Business Studies, Darren de Bruyn, who was brought up in South Africa and who offered the following ministry in Meeting for Worship the day after Mandela’s death.

“I would like to hold someone special in the light; someone who I never had the honour of meeting but who played such an important role in my life.

“Throughout my youth I witnessed first-hand how the white minority persecuted the black community. Through this oppression all South Africans, white and black, were never free and remained isolated from the rest of the world for almost 50 years.

“The reason that I am part of the Sibford community today is down to the resilience, compassion and vision that Nelson Mandela fought for and achieved. His policy of passive resistance and the unquestionable tolerance he exercised towards his oppressors during the 27-year incarceration he was forced to endure demonstrates his resolve. To be able to forgive, forget and move forward together indicates what a true statesman he was; an example to everyone, everywhere.

“Without your endeavour for equality and justice for

all, I would never have been offered the opportunities that I have taken during my life. For that, I will always be thankful for the sacrifice you made for the benefit of your people. Rest in peace Madiba.”

Mandela was a giant of a man who inspired thousands of people. And it is thanks in part to his legacy that we have chosen our theme for this year’s Open Day.

The literal definition of the word ‘inspire’ according to the Oxford English Dictionary is ‘To breathe or blow upon or into.’ As we go through life there are many people whose breath makes its mark on us.

We have deliberately titled today ‘People Who Inspire Me’ ... rather than ‘Inspirational People’ ... to reflect the personal nature of inspiration. Like Mandela, many of those who inspire us are well known on the world stage. However, equally, we have all been inspired by people who will be unknown to most.

As educators we aim to inspire the young people who pass through our doors ... and, indeed, have been striving to do so for more than 170 years. It is a privileged position to be in.

Thanks to the rise in popularity of social media we are fortunate to hear often from Old Scholars who cite a former teacher as a source of inspiration. I am sure that if you get the chance to speak with any of those present today they will speak with great affection about those Sibford School staff who have made an impact on their lives.

I hope that you enjoy your time with us today ... and that you yourself will be inspired by something that you see or hear. To quote Quaker Advices and Queries 7: ‘There is inspiration to be found all around us ... are you open to new light, from whatever source it may come?’

Michael Goodwin, Head

SIBFORD SCHOOL OPEN DAY 2014

PARENTS OF PROSPECTIVE PUPILS

Sibford School Open Day is an annual event to which we welcome current parents, friends, Old Scholars and, of course, parents of prospective pupils.

Today’s activities will be preceeded with a short Meeting for Worship which will take place in the Oliver Studio at 9am. If you are here early, you will be more than welcome to join us for this.

At 9.30am we will gather together in the main hall for a celebration focussing on some of the people who have inspired us. This will include live performances from Drama, English and Music students plus the screening of work produced by some of our Media students.

An introduction to Sibford SchoolAt 11am, Sibford School Head, Michael Goodwin, will give a presentation to parents of prospective pupils in the Music Ensemble Room.

After that, do take the opportunity to wander around the school and enjoy some of the events detailed elsewhere in this programme. If you would like a guided tour please don’t hesitate to ask and one of our pupils will be happy to accompany you.

Come back and see us again soonWe are aware that Open Day does not give you the opportunity to see the school in session. If you are considering entry in September 2014, then do come back soon and visit us on a normal working day. Our admissions officer, Elspeth Gregory, will be happy to arrange an appointment and can be contacted on 01295 781203 (email: egregory@sibfordschool.co.uk).

On Wednesday (18 June) there will be a chance to see the provision we offer our very youngest pupils when we host an Early Years Open Afternoon. Other events coming up in the future include: Senior School Open Evening on Thursday 25 September; Whole School Open Morning on Monday 13 October; and Sixth Form Open Evening on Tuesday 14 October. Further information on these and other events can be found on our website: www.sibfordschool.co.uk

JUNIOR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

9.30am~

9.45am

9.45am~

11.15am

11.30am

Junior School Meeting for Worship - in the Dining Room, all welcome.

Look around the Junior School. Each year group, from EYFS through to Year 6, will be involved in different activities and some will be raising money for our Ugandan charities.Year 3 can be found over by the raised beds with strawberry plants for sale; Year 4 will be in historic dress by the Roundhouse; some of Year 5 will be at Forest Schools (see map overleaf or there will be guides on hand to take you over if needed); Year 6 will be serving refreshments. Make sure you check out the Junior School’s work on the Whole School theme of ‘People Who Inspire Me’, exhibited in Helen Arnold’s classroom. In additon, various pupils will be providing musical entertainment.

Maypole Dancing - all of the junior pupils, from the youngest to the oldest, will be taking part in this traditional end to the morning’s activities and there will also be an opportunity for guests to join in ... so don’t be shy and bring your dancing shoes!

Questions about Quakers?Members of School Committee (the school’s governing body) will be out and about during Open Day and will be happy to answer any

questions you might have about Quakers, the general governance of the school and to speak about Quakers who have inspired them. They will also be helping in the French Café. So that you can recognise them at a distance they will be wearing green sashes.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

In order to keep track of where children are, could we ask that they stay with their classes until all the maypole dances have finished, at which point the class teacher will hand the children over to parents/guardians.

Music School(inc Music Ensemble Rm)

Art School

SwimmingPool

Science

Junior SchoolSixth Form

Main School(Hill Building)

Maypole

Round House

French Café

Hog Roast

Hall

Oliver Studio

South Corridor

North Corridor

Willow Tunnel

Dining Room

Fielding

Old Scholars’ Marquee

SPORTS DAYTrack & Field Area

FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND

To Penn

To M

arga

ret F

ell

Jazz Band

Archive Display in Rm 5

Zorbing

If you are not sure where to find an activity, please don’t hesitate to ask. Some of our pupils have volunteered to act as ‘ambassadors’ and will be more than happy to assist. They will be wearing gold sashes so that you can identify them easily.

Music School(inc Music Ensemble Rm)

Art School

Sports Hall

SwimmingPool

Junior School

Horticulture

Maypole

Hog Roast

RaisedBeds

Conservation Area

Dining Room

BottleGreenhouse

Pond

Car Parking

FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND

PLANT SALE

In the HorticultureDepartment

9.30am - 12.30pm

Forest Schools

If you are not sure where to find an activity, please don’t hesitate to ask. Some of our pupils have volunteered to act as ‘ambassadors’ and will be more than happy to assist. They will be wearing gold sashes so that you can identify them easily.

SENIOR SCHOOL & SIXTH FORMPlease take the opportunity to look around the school where you will find a host of displays and activities. To help you plan your day some of the events taking place are detailed below ... however this is by no means an exhaustive list. If you’re unfamiliar with the campus, the map on the previous pages should help; alternatively, please don’t hesitate to ask one of our pupils who will be more than happy to point you in the right direction. Enjoy your day.

9.00am ~ 9.20am: Oliver Studio: Quaker Meeting for Worship.

9.30am ~ 10.30am: Opening EventMain Hall: A celebration of people who have inspired usfrom 10.30am onwards ...

Hill BuildingHall Foyer: Quaker Service Memorial Trust Exhibition (for further details about this exhibition see back page).Rooms 1, 2 plus South Corridor: English ~ see what KS3, GCSE and A Level pupils have been learning.Rooms 3 & 4: French Café (open 9.15am ~ 3pm).Room 5: Maths ~ Interactive geometry display, Mathematical jigsaws and puzzles for kids (and adults!), display of influential mathematicians through history.Room 6: The Food Department will be running a small workshop for some talented cooks selected from years 7 to 11. Come along to see what we can create.Rooms 10 & 12: Design & Technology ~ an exhibition of some outstanding work produced by pupils in years 7 - 9 plus displays of GCSE and A Level exam pieces.Support for Learning Department: Come along and experience our Multi-Sensory Challenge.Room 22: History ~ In March Sibford pupils were given an inspirational talk by Holocaust survivor Zigi Shipper. Year 9 pupil Harry Lee made a film featuring all members of his year group giving their reaction to Zigi’s talk. Please come along and watch Harry’s film.Room 26: Geography ~ Displays of pupil work plus photographs of recent field trips.Room 27: The RS department will be displaying pupils’ work with the emphasis on ‘People Who Inspire Me’. Year 12 display work will be on ‘Environmental and Business Ethics’.

SENIOR SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM

Library: Books and posters about people who inspire us plus meet our Librarian, Frances King.

Art & Music SchoolMackenzie Thorpe Gallery: Display featuring work from across all the age ranges … from Junior School pupils through to Year 13 A Level students. Textile Studio: Display of work.Ensemble Room: Presentation to prospective parents (11am).Room M8: Some of our international students will be demonstrating their language work.

Swimming Pool11.30am ~ 12.15pm: School Swimming Team Training and Public Swimming Lessons.

Science BlockS3: We have Lift Off! Come along and design, make and launch your own rocket.

Boarding: Penn, Margaret Fell & Fielding11.30am ~ 12noon: Come and meet some of our boarders and find out about the varied activities they enjoy outside the normal school day.

Outside• Visit the Horticultural Department between

9.30am and 12.30pm to see the work of our Countryside Management and Horticulture students. There will be display boards in the greenhouse showing students’ work. Look around our vegetable, fruit and ornamental gardens and pick up a bargain at the Plant Sale.

• Fairtrade stall (on decking).• The Jazz Band will be performing in the marquee

by the Music School from11.30am ~ 12.30pm. • Today sees the judging of the House Flower Bed

Competition – come and vote! • Zorbing.

Sixth Form CentrePlease visit the Sixth Form Centre where you will discover displays on a variety of subjects including Business Studies, Countryside Management, Psychology and Media.

OLD SCHOLARS

We are delighted to welcome back former pupils and hope you have an enjoyable day. Please do call by the SOSA (Sibford Old Scholars’ Association) Marquee and sign the visitors’ book. If you haven’t already received a copy of the 2014 Old Scholars’ Newsletter, it probably means that you’re not on the mailing list. Copies of the newsletter can be picked up from the marquee, where you will also be able to fill in an invitation to join SOSA. The SOSA contact for membership is Wendy Finch who can be contacted on 01295 781238 or by email: wfinch@sibfordschool.co.ukPlease do remember to keep in touch and let us know what has happened to you since leaving school. Ali Bromhall, who is the school’s Community Development Officer and also edits the SOSA Newsletter and The Sibfordian magazine, is always keen to hear from you. She can be contacted on 01295 781216 or by email: abromhall@sibfordschool.co.ukYou can also keep in touch via the SOSA website (www.sibfordoldscholars.com); the Sibford School page on Facebook or can follow the school on Twitter (@SibfordSchOxon). Enjoy your day and we hope to see you back soon.

9.30am onwards

12.30pm

The SOSA Marquee is situated outside the South Corridor Decking (opposite Room 4). An ideal place to catch up.

Exhibition of Archive MaterialAn exhibition of archive material will be on display in Room 7 in the Hill Building (enter via the main front door and turn left).

Fourtieth Anniversary LunchFor those who left the school in 1974. In the school dining room. Pre-booked places only.

SOSA ACTIVITIES

Wednesday 25 June 2014Sibford School Holly House Garden

Grounds open 6.30pm for picnicsPerformance starts 7.30pm

Tickets £12.50 (£10.50 conc, £6 child) available from the school on

01295 781200You can also buy tickets TODAY from the

main School Reception Office which will be open from 9.30am ~ 12 noon

2.00pm

3.30pm

5.15pm

7.30pm

Guided Tour of the school leaving from the front of the SOSA Marquee.

Afternoon Tea served in the SOSA Marquee ~ all welcome.

SOSA AGM in the Oliver Studio. All welcome.

Presidential BarbecuePre-booked places only.

OLD SCHOLARS

ENJOY YOUR DAY

Sibford School Open Day is a celebration of the work undertaken by our pupils over the past year. Whether you’re visiting us for the first time, are parents of a current pupil, a friend of the school or former pupil, we hope you have a very enjoyable day.

RefreshmentsNo Open Day would be complete without plenty of refreshments and thanks go to the PSFA (Parents, Staff and Friends Association of Sibford School) for their hard work in organising The French Café and the Hog Roast.

The Zorb ChicanePSFA also like to provide an attraction at Open Day that guests, young and old, can participate in. Past highlights have included a bouncy castle and a climbing wall. This year PSFA brings you the Zorb Chicane. This cross over zorb track is designed to safely retain, yet challenge, zorb racers as they run through traps and across the narrow central chicane which will allow only one racer to cross sides at once! Are you up for the challenge? Can you stay on your feet? Tickets for the Zorb Chicane cost £2.50/person and are on sale in the French Café.

Quaker Service Memorial Trust ExhibitionA memorial to commemorate the work of the Friends Ambulance Unit and the Friends Relief Service has been built at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. A separate, but complementary, exhibition has been produced by the University of Manchester, Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute, and we are delighted to have this on display at today’s Open Day in the foyer outside the main hall. Do take time to visit the exhibition and find out more about the human stories behind the work of the FAU and FRS.

Sports DayOpen Day finishes at lunchtime and moves seamlessly into our Senior School House Sports Day. You are more than welcome to stay around to support our athletes. The French Café will be selling refreshments until 3pm. There will also be further opportunities to take part in the Zorb Chicane.

www.sibfordschool.co.uk