E-Newsletter - Platanos College

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E-Newsletter

Dear Parent(s)/Carer(s),

ANOTHER GOOD START TO THE ACADEMIC YEAR

It was good to meet so many of you at the Academic Review Day, on 19th September 2013.

Attendance was excellent on Academic Review Day.

Parent(s)/Carer(s) were extremely pleased that we have set such high expectations for pupils.

We have asked pupils to make five (5) levels of progress in Key Stage 3, that is over Years 7, 8

and 9.

It means that our pupils are expected to work harder to reach their challenging targets.

We expect our pupils to demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to study effectively in

Years 10 and 11 by the end of Year 9.

The national agenda has changed and we are duty bound to continue to set higher expectations,

to ensure that our pupils pursue their future goals, reach the same platform as other pupils up

and down the country and indeed across the world.

I am pleased to report to you that our teachers are also working very hard to change their

curriculum plans to meet our higher expectations.

Pupils by and large accept that they will be tested regularly to ensure that they make the same

or better progress than other pupils up and down the country.

The pace (or speed) of learning is brisk, especially in Key Stage 3.

Is it right to set higher expectations? Absolutely. The investment in our pupils will reverberate

throughout their lives and beyond. Our country remains a "meritocracy". I believe that it is possible

with hard work and determination to achieve whatever you desire, despite the barriers in society.

Our motto is "Attitude Determines Altitude". We teach our pupils that everything is possible if

they have the right attitude. It is logical for us to continue to improve our school by setting higher

expectations.

FOCUSED MEETINGS WITH GROUPS OF PARENT(S)/CARER(S) NEXT TERM

There will be a series of additional meetings next term to enable us to continue to target key groups

of pupils, including those who are able, gifted and talented. Details will be sent to individual

parent(s)/carer(s) before the end of this half term.

Friday 11th October 2013 Issue 7


SAFEGUARDING

A GREATER FOCUS ON E-SAFETY

We start and end with the safety of our pupils. Our Governors reviewed the Safeguarding Policies and Procedures with an external consultant at

the end of July 2013. This review was extremely positive. The external consultant commented

favourably on our Safeguarding work. The Governors agreed to conduct an annual review of

Safeguarding with both parents/carers and pupils in order to measure the impact of Safeguarding

and security on both parents/carers and pupils. The Governors also agreed to place greater focus

on e-Safety following the above review.

I would like to invite you to the following e-Safety Seminars for parent(s)/carer(s):

Year 7 Monday 4th November 2013, 4pm – 5pm

Years 8 and 9 Wednesday 6th November 2013, 4pm – 5pm

Years 10 and 11 Friday 8th November 2013, 4pm – 5pm

Please arrive on time. Tea and coffee will be available during the sessions.

Each seminar will consist of a brief introduction by our Designated Senior Manager for

Safeguarding, Ms. Williams (Assistant Headteacher), and Ms. Alexander (Assistant Headteacher),

our e-Safety Co-ordinator. Dr. Lok (Director of Administration) will also briefly speak to

parent(s)/carer(s) about Health and Safety issues generally throughout the school.

The introduction above will be followed by interactive sessions on e-Safety for parent(s)/carer(s).

Parent(s)/Carer(s) will be able to assess some of the dangers pupils face on the internet as well as

cyber-bullying. These sessions will enable parents/carers to be clear about safety and boundaries

on the internet and how to apply simple and effective methods of monitoring for their children at

home.

Naturally, if it is necessary, we will meet smaller groups of parents/carers and individuals in order

to continue to support this important drive in our school.

We look forward to meeting you.

Finally, without hesitation or reservation, I believe that God is with us, especially with our

wonderful children. Always.

Yours sincerely,

J. Tapper

Headteacher


Recent News

Top Achievers in Year 11

Our Early Entry GCSE Programme has been successful this year. Congratulations go to our Year 11 pupils who have achieved top grades in their early entry examinations in English and Maths. Top grades (A*/A) in GCSE English: BALLESTEROS Patrick BROWN Ria SULEMAN Amani THOMAS Phillip ABDI Faduma AMOABENG Lydia BRISCOE Shamika BRYAN Joel DALEY-LONG Kasey-Leigh DAW Sean EDUSI Eniola ENNIS Daniel FLOREZ Jerry FORTUNATO-CANDENGUE Paul GALE Hayley GRAY Shannon HARWOOD Shana-Kay HERSI Ayan HOANG Celia HUYNH Raymond LE Thai LEE Hannah McKENZIE Nekeshia MILLER Sam MOULOUDI Fadia MUGHAL Noor MURRAY Shentae OHUNTA Rebekah OLAWALE Fifi RAMSAY-GILLETT Georgia RIBEIRO Vanessa ROMERO-AVILA Fabio SARAIVA Catarina SISSE Sidya TAMAYO Kevin TOMLINSON Shanice WILLIAMS Domika Top grades (A*/A) in GCSE Maths: ABDULAAHI Suleera BALLESTEROS Patrick HERSI Ayan HUYNH Raymond LEE Hannah WILLIAMS Domika ALBUQUERQUE Joao BRYAN Joel ENNIS Daniel GRAY Shannon HOANG Celia MIAH Tufazzul MILLER Mark MOHAMED Bilal PEMBERTON-WRIGHT Renee RIBEIRO Vanessa ROMERO-AVILA Fabio TALEBI Amir THAM Melissa THOMAS Phillip

Top achievers in GCSE English: Patrick Ballesteros, Ria Brown, Phillip Thomas, and Amani Suleman.

Top achievers in GCSE Maths: Patrick Ballesteros, Raymond Huynh, Domika Williams, Suleera Abdulaahi, Ayan Hersi, and Hannah Lee.


Top Pupils in Year 10

Congratulations go to the following pupils for achieving excellent CHABOP points so far this term. The CHABOP merit system recognises achievement in Classwork, Homework, Attendance, Behaviour, Organisation and Punctuality.

Melissa Rodrigues 116 points

Deqa Elmi 78 points

Bryony Bromfield 68 points

Shawn Steer 65 points

Mawa-Julia Bagate 60 points

Ewan Ackah 58 points

Zara Ahmed 45 points

Patrea Powell-Farquharson 43 points

Maklit Hannah 42 points

Stephanie Sousa 41 points

A couple of Year 10 pupils were asked how they managed to achieve such high tallies for their CHABOP points. They had the following words of advice: Bryony Bromfield, 10A3, said: “Hard work and perseverance is the key!” Deqa Elmi, 10A2, said: “Your attitude has to be 100%. You must believe that you can do it!” Well done to the above pupils for demonstrating such an effective start to the term!

Presidential Elections in Year 9

The Year 9 presidential elections took place in assembly on Wednesday 18th September 2013. Many congratulations to the following pupils: Class Presidents Edward Adonteng, 9A (Class President with 15 votes) Adam Seridji, 9A (Class Vice President with 5 votes) Cameron French, 9B (Class President with 12 votes) Nathaniel Asiedu-Opuku, 9B (Class Vice President with 6 votes) Rafeeq Clarke, 9C (Class President with 9 votes) Fadumo Ahmed, 9C (Class Vice President with 8 votes) Daniel Payne, 9D (Class President with 25 votes) Alina Talebi, 9W (Class President with 9 votes) Tahani Mahmoud, 9W (Class Vice President with 7 votes) Anabela Costa, 9H (Class President with 14 votes) Abdullah Hassan, 9H (Class Vice President with 4 votes) Jeffrey Tolosa Gamboa, 9E (Class President with 11 votes)

Top CHABOP points in Year 10

Edward Adonteng, 9A (Year Group President)


Jovani Smith, 9E (Class Vice President with 4 votes) Moesha Edwards, 9F (Class President with 11 votes) Safiya Abdi-Nur, 9F (Class Vice President with 5 votes) Fabio Moreira, 9G (Class President with 8 votes) Jovantai Smith, 9G (Class Vice President with 7 votes) Overall Year Presidents Edward Adonteng, 9A (Year Group President with 52 votes) Rafeeq Clarke 9C, (Year Group Vice President with 37 votes)

Pupil Voice

The start of the new term has been busy. Pupils have received their challenging targets through

their first Academic Review Day in September and a lot of effort has gone into the first two weeks to

engage with pupils.

A survey of pupils revealed that the pace of learning is good and the work is challenging. The pupil

voice questionnaires revealed the following:

‘I was prepared and I was happy with my targets.’

‘What went well was the teacher was so welcoming.’

‘We get assembly every day to know what happens.’

‘The school invested time on the merit system.’

‘The first days of school went well because it was well organised.’

‘We are told to aim high and we know what we should do to achieve our end of year targets.’

‘A wide range of clubs and activities are available.’

St. John Ambulance ‘Save A Life’ Campaign Our St. John Cadets were out on duty teaching members of the

public basic lifesaving first aid as part of the St. John

Ambulance ‘Save A Life’ Campaign.

Shoppers at Tesco, Kennington, and the N1 Centre, Islington,

were extremely impressed with the cadets’ first aid

knowledge and demonstrations.

The cadets also did an outstanding job of raising £415.80 for

the organisation which will go towards further training and

resources!

Rafeeq Clarke, 9C (Year Group Vice President)


Our Cadets take part in a wide variety of activities and courses throughout the year including

national tours and competitions and have made a great start on their Grand Prior’s Award Scheme.

Army Cadets at Platanos College We are pleased to announce that Platanos College has successfully started an Army Cadets unit in

partnership with St. Dunstan’s School this year. The cadet forces aim to give young people the

chance to do some exciting and challenging activities with others of their own age. All activities are

well supervised by responsible and well trained adults who have all undergone an approved

selection process.

Young people are taught

how to work together as

groups within the

community, encouraging

them to become responsible

young adults. They

participate in outdoor

activities with proper

instruction and learn

valuable personal skills

which are recognised by

future employers. They will

also have the opportunity to

attend several residential

trips.

The Army Cadets are an important addition to school life. They meet and train every Monday, from

4pm to 5pm, at St. Dunstan’s School, Catford.

Platanos College pupils in the combined cadet force (CCF)


PGL Residential Trip

At the beginning of the term, our entire Year 7 and Year 8 pupil groups had a wonderful

opportunity to attend a PGL multi-activity residential trip over one weekend each in East Sussex.

Pupils participated in a host of activities including orienteering, quad biking, climbing and zip wire.

The emphasis of the programme was on multiple skills: listening, leadership, teamwork between

peers, confidence building, perseverance and

communication.

Our pupil, Eva, said: “The trip improved my skills

in making friends, which was useful as it is our

first week at school.”

Juliet said: “I learnt to never give up and never say

‘never’.”

Another pupil, Tunde, said: “I overcame my fear

of heights and now I know that if you really focus

on something you can rise above it.”


Safeguarding at Platanos College

Consulting parent(s) and carer(s) about Safeguarding A summary

We consulted parents and carers at the beginning of the term about safeguarding and health and safety at Platanos College. Thank you to those who responded to the survey. There was a high level of feedback and the overall response from parents and carers was very positive.

99% of parents/carers agreed that the school is a safe place for their children.

92% agreed that the school makes sure that pupils are well behaved.

86% thought that the school deals with unacceptable behaviour effectively.

87% thought that the school deals with bullying effectively.

89% agreed that their child was not bullied at school.

(Respondents were given the option of ‘strongly agree’, ‘agree’, ‘don’t know’, ‘disagree’ and ‘strongly disagree’)

We are very pleased with the positive responses from parents and carers. We will continue to do what is necessary to promote the welfare of our pupils and we will continue to consult and address any concerns raised by our parents and carers. At Platanos College, we are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of our pupils. Our Designated Senior Person for Child Protection is Ms T. Williams.

There are also pupils in each tutor group who are fully trained as Anti-Bullying Champions and they meet regularly to discuss any issues that may arise.

The dedicated anti-bullying email address for both pupils and parents/carers to raise any issues about bullying is [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]


The Leading Parent Partnership Award (LPPA)

Platanos College retains the prestigious Leading Parent Partnership Award (LPPA)

This award recognises the school’s strength in working in partnership with parents and carers to enhance children’s life chances.

Earlier this year Platanos College was again visited by an LPPA assessor as part of the award scheme. To continue to be recognised by the LPPA the school has to satisfy stringent objectives.

It demonstrated a continued commitment by making and implementing effective plans to achieve and maintain the award.

The school must be a welcoming and friendly place for parents/carers. Promotes an awareness of, and participation in, lifelong learning opportunities available both

in school and the community. Holds and actively promote enrichment opportunities for joint parent/child participation. Provides good induction for all new parents/carers. Provides parents/carers with relevant and user-friendly guidance and information to help

them support their children’s learning. Produces and implements parent/carer friendly policies to establish effective home-school

links and improve pupil attendance, punctuality, behaviour and progress and their positive participation in school.

Provides good support for transition for parents/carers when their children leave the school.

The LPPA assessor was very impressed with the work and the future plan of the school. She spoke with some of our presidents and vice presidents, spoke to governors, parents/carers and recognised that the school met all the objectives of the LPPA.

Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and SAM Learning

So you want to make sure your child succeeds? Here are two ways.

Firstly, use our VLE: Virtual Learning Environment.

What is the VLE?

Platanos College’s VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) is the College’s on-line learning space.

Unlike a normal web site it is a direct link between teachers and pupils, where such things like

homework can be posted. There is both a pupil portal and a parent portal. As a parent you will be

able to view such things as attendance, timetable and homework.

Accessing our VLE for Parents:

1. Go to https://www.klp.rm.com.

2. Enter your username and password (both supplied by Platanos College).

https://www.klp.rm.com/


3. The first time you log on you will be asked to accept the terms and conditions. Click “Yes”

and it will take you to the parents’ aspect of the Platanos College Homework page. Click on

the name of the subject teacher of your child. This will open and show five (5) folders. Click

on the year group your child is in and the latest homework will be the file at the top of the

list. (Homework is located in the “Shared Space” tab.)

4. If you click on “Home” in the left hand column of the page it will take you to the information

on your child. (You will only be able to see information about your own child, you cannot

access other pupil’s information and they cannot see anything about yours.)

Another way is to use SAM Learning.

What is SAM Learning Go?

It is an online educational service, providing year-round learning.

It has been independently proven to raise attainment. Its simple approach focuses on interactive revision and “test question” practice to consolidate learning and increase confidence.

It helps raise achievement by providing high value services that enables your child to take more individual responsibility and improve their results.

SAM Learning can be accessed from any computer connected to the internet.

Accessing SAM Learning:

(Please note it is the pupil whose log in account that it used)

Go to www.samlearning.com

You will need to enter the Centre ID, User ID and Password

The Centre ID is SW9OSP (O as in the letter not the number)

The user ID is the pupil’s date of birth followed by their initials. For example if John Doe was born 01/05/2001, the User ID will be 010501JD

The password is initially the same as the User ID. For example User ID 010501JD would be

password 010501JD. Once the pupil logs on they can change their password.

Your son or daughter can now work, with you, through “online” tasks, specifically targeted at their level. You can monitor and check your child’s progress, diagnose where they need extra help and work with them to achieve the highest grades of which they are capable. You can now make a difference. Help your child to success. Log on and give it a try. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr N. James (Assistant Headteacher).

http://www.samlearning.com/


Computer Science at Platanos College

In its purest form, computer science is the research and development of technology that solves specific problems. Computer science has brought the world smart phones, GPS systems, the gaming industry and tablet computing, along with technological developments that assist government, industry and medicine. In addition to creating new technology, computer scientists also make improvements to existing technology and study the ways computers can make our lives easier.

As with any branch of science, computer scientists perform research that establishes new information. This research begins with known mathematical algorithms and computer theory, and strives to constantly redefine what technology can do for us. Computer science also addresses how existing technology can be used in ways previously undiscovered; creating applications that may be faster, simpler, more efficient or less costly.

Platanos College is offering a computing club for pupils in Years 8 and 9 to learn JavaScript and Visual Basic programming to begin after half term, every Thursday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. The journey starts here!

Key Dates

Thursday 17th October 2013 Year 7 Settling-In Evening, 4pm – 6pm (for parents/carers)

Monday 4th November 2013 e-Safety Seminar, 4pm – 5pm (Year 7 parents/carers)

Wednesday 6th November 2013 e-Safety Seminar, 4pm – 5pm (Year 8 and 9 parents/carers)

Thursday 7th November 2013 Year 11 Careers Fair, 4pm – 6pm

Friday 8th November 2013 e-Safety Seminar, 4pm – 5pm (Year 10 and 11 parents/carers)

Uniform Shop Opening Times

Term time opening hours

Mondays: 9am - 12pm

Wednesdays: 3pm - 5pm

E-Newsletter

If you would like to receive our regular E-Newsletter via email, please provide us with your email address by contacting us on 020 7733 6156 or emailing us at [email protected].

The latest news and previous issues of our newsletters can be found on our website at www.platanoscollege.com.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.platanoscollege.com/

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E-Newsletter - Platanos College