Park Life Magazine

ISSUE SIXSUMMER 2015

cup winners• YEARS 7 & 8 WIN THE MAIDSTONE CUP •

park lifem a g a z i n e

When Time Stood StillAn epic production with emotive themes

Mathematic MarvelsTalent + Challenge = Awards

Word WeaversYear 9 Authors

Media GurusRunning the Oscars

Literacy RewardEngaging Writing Topics

TrifestivalFrom Sam Smith to the Four Seasons

Betty Blue Eyes WorkshopWest End Actor treads our boards

Park LiveNewsbeat - Read by Valley Park

Fremlin DanceFlash Mob phenomenon hits Maidstone

Success at SchoolNew careers website films at Valley Park

...and much more!

Park Life Magazine • Issue Six • Summer 2015

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FOR MORE NEWS & ARTICLES:Why not subscribe to Valley Park News? Go to:

www.valleypark.viat.org.uk/43/news and click on the RSS Feed icon.

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PAST ISSUES OF PARK LIFEPark Life Magazine is always available as a digital download from our website. Go to:

www.valleypark.viat.org.uk/44/magazine

Issue Zero • Summer 2013

parkl i f em a g a z i n e

The rise & rise of

new arT rioT

Miss Saigon:

Triumph at The Hazlitt

Outstanding and Upstanding:

The Ofsted effect

The New Build:

Can we do it? Yes, we can!

BBC Radio 1 Roadshow:

Live from Valley Park

In Focus:A Year of Diversity

Super 8 Superstars:

Success on the track

From School Band to BBC Radio 1 Superstars • Page 14

Issue One • Winter 2013


MERRY CHRISTMASAND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Inside this issue:

CATS Preview

Moroccan Adventure

Awards Evening

Children in Need Week

Drum Roll Please

Under the Alpine Skies

A Day for Remembrance

CSI: Archaeology Club

Way of the Warrior

Issue Two • Spring 2014


I N T H E RO U N DCATS TAKE CENTRE STAGE

Sport ReliefGreen PowerGilby’s Fundraisers30 Cheers for AdventureHaka WorkshopBanking on ExperienceThe Bigger PictureOver the Sea to SkypeThe Best of... Art...and much more!

Issue Three • Summer 2014


E X H I B I T I O N I S T SEXTRAORDINARY ARTWORK

Mauritius Adopts Valley ParkValley’s Violin VIP Young Artists for Pilgrim’s Way Passing the Baton

V in the ParkThe Army ExperienceDay at the Museum In Focus: Diversity in ActionDesigning the Future...and much more!

Issue Four • Winter 2014


OPERAT IONCHRISTMAS CH ILD

The Taylor of GloucesterSports DayMargam FieldtripBattlefield TourGreen MachineLicence to Kill?Bake Off BonanzaOh What A Lovely ShowBude Bound

...and much more!

Issue FiveSpring 2015

¡VIVA EL ZORRO!

HARRY, ALISHA & CRAIG ON PLAYING ICONIC CHARACTERS

park lifem

ag

az

in

eBook LaunchYear 7 & 8 authors publish their own books

Give a Gift... and Light up a Life

Sixth Formers raise money for the Salvation Army

Performance Adrenaline

The cast of Zorro prepare for battle

The Conflict EndsCharlotte Beale on the futility of war

Dream CarYear 9 & 10 designers dream up the future

Rowing to SilverTom Dixon's Olympic Park challenge

Theatre in EducationYear 12 actors tackle the holocaust

Red Noses Yellow CardThe Epic Charity Football Match for Red Nose Day

Diary of a Hungry Skier

Kyle Siwek eats his way through his ski trip

Buttons Puts His Foot in it

A panto as charming as the Prince...and much more!

A Montage of scenes from Year 13's Final Major Project,

'When Time Stood Still'.

ISSUE SIXSUMMER 2015

park lifem a g a z i n e

CUP WINNERS (PART ONE) 4Our Year 7 football team won the Maidstone Cup in a tense final against Cornwallis during May. Park Life asked Team Captain, Charlie Weston, to recall their victory...

WORD WEAVERS 6Last year, the English department had year 8 students feverishly writing for a national competition...

LITERACY REWARD 7Last issue, we reported on the hard work of year 7 & 8 authors, as they launched their own books (Issue 5, Pgs 4-5). But that's not the end of the story...

CUP WINNERS (PART TWO) 8Not to be outdone by year 7, our year 8 football team also faced Cornwallis in the Maidstone Schools Cup Final... and won! Park Life asked Team Captain, Edward Scrivens, to tell their story...

KYLE'S CANTEEN CRITIQUE 10School meals have a reputation for being disgusting and un-healthy, but the canteen at Valley Park offers something completely different. We sent Park Life regular, Kyle Siwek, to cogitate, masticate & elucidate...

WHEN TIME STOOD STILL 12 This year's Dance Final Major Project (FMP) was an epic production that tackled the emotive themes of 9/11. Park Life asked three of the dancers to recall their diverse experiences...

MEDIA GURUS 14A resourceful team of Valley Park Media students organised and ran this year’s Oscar Awards Ceremony. We asked Park Life reporter, Chloe Leipnik, to find out more...

MATHEMATIC MARVELS 16Students from across Key Stage 3 & 4 entered the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Junior & Intermediate Maths Challenge...

TRIFESTIVAL 18From Sam Smith to the Four Seasons, live music took over Valley Park on Saturday 9 May, organised by year 13 music students…

BETTY BLUE EYES WORKSHOP 20West End actor Haydn Oakley came to Valley Park School to give a workshop to the cast of our summer musical, 'Betty Blue Eyes'...

SUCCESS AT SCHOOL 22 Entrepreneur and founder of careers website Successatschool.org, Mitesh Bhimjiyani, chose Valley Park students to star in a video...

PARK LIVE! 2410 year 9 Students went to London’s BBC Broadcasting House to be part of this year's School Report...

FREMLIN DANCE 26Year 9 students had a very hot and active Focus Day, culminating in a 'flash mob' performance in the town centre...

http://www.valleypark.kent.sch.uk/43/news

http://www.valleypark.kent.sch.uk/43/news


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cup winners( p a r t o n e )

Our Year 7 football team won the Maidstone Cup in a tense final against Cornwallis during May. Park Life asked team captain, Charlie Weston, to recall their victory...

Tough Opponent

On a sunny day at the Maidstone Gallagher Stadium, Valley Park's year 7 football team were all fired up to play against a tough opponent, Cornwallis.

Team Talk

After a positive team talk, Valley Park took the lead with an early goal after great build-up play which was finished off by Daniel Oxlade. Cornwallis were awarded a dodgy penalty towards the end of the first half which made the score 1 all by half-time.

Half Volley

After a refreshing half-time, both teams came out ready for another 30 minutes hard work. We once again took the lead with a fantastic half volley by Sam Ford.

Free Kick

Towards the end of the game we became more defensive and gave away a silly free kick near the half-way line. This lead to Cornwallis equalising.

We were gutted!

Penalties

Both teams were unable to find a way to score in extra time, which lead to penalties. With the roar of the crowd supporting us, we scored 4 fantastic penalties with Cornwallis scoring just 1. We even had 1 penalty spare!

Proud

As captain, I was extremely proud to finally lift the cup after all our hard work.

Reporter: C Weston“WE ONCE AGAIN TOOK THE LEAD

WITH A FANTASTIC HALF VOLLEY BY

SAM FORD.”

Inset Bottom Right: The Year 7 Football Team (back row left to right): Jacob Crisp, Bsave Gurung, Nana Appiah, Sam Ford, George Waters, James France, Oliver Wroe, Mr Lisbon. Front row left to right: Sam Wood, Kyle Mcleish, Charlie Weston, Oliver Murphy, Kieran Filmer, Sean Watson, Daniel Oxley.

MAY 2015


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wordw e av e r s

Contributor: A Houlihan

Last year, the English department had year 8 students feverishly writing for a national competition...

British Library

On 7 May, the nineteen students who were successful (now all in year 9), gathered in our new library to be presented with a copy of the book, entitled ‘Word Weavers'.

The book will be kept in the British Library and other libraries across the UK.

Final Product

'The opportunity to write our own poems for a book was a great experience,' said Chloe Leipnik. 'However, I really underestimated how professional the final product

would come out and I loved reading everyone's entries.'

Powerful Voice

‘Our students continually amaze me with their creativity & imagination,’ said Assistant Headteacher, Mrs Houlihan, who presented them with their books.

‘We want them to learn how successful they can be through dedication, hard work and effort. As a collective, we have a powerful voice and our students deserve to be heard. Congratulations to everyone; may you continue to be inspired to write, read and create.'

Word Weavers (weaving from left to right):Back Row: Molly Still, Connor Dacey,

Nathan Owen, Charlie Whittingham, Sophie Lawrie, Gemma Farran,

Tallulah Rennie, Chloe Leipnik

Middle Row: Billie Attwood, Keely Baker, Jasmine Barden, Lewis Butler, Abigail Plaw,

Hannah Daly, Francis Cooper, Ellie Porter

Front Row: Tyrone Vadher, Zoe Baker, Tom Winnett

MAY 2015

“THE BOOK WILL BE KEPT IN

THE BRITISH LIBRARY

AND OTHER LIBRARIES

ACROSS THE UK.”

literacy rewardContributor: K Newell

Last issue, we reported on the hard work of year 7 & 8 authors, as they launched their own books (Issue 5, Pgs 4-5). But that's not the end of the story...

Inaugural

Valley Park won the 'Most Engaging Writing Topic' Award at the inaugural Kent Literacy Awards evening, which was held at Hempstead House Hotel near Sittingbourne on June 23.

Nominations

More than fifty nominations were received from parents, students, teachers and support staff at primary and secondary schools.

Focus Day

The Book Project has already begun for current year 7 students, who've had a full Focus Day on the topic recently.

'This award demonstrates the dedication, creativity and success of our students,' said English teacher & book project organiser, Miss Newell. 'It's amazing to have their hard work recognised and I'm incredibly proud of what our students have achieved.'

JUNE 2015

The Valley Park Literati:(back row left to right)

Keris O'Hara, Kyle Siwek, Lewis Wood-Ashby,(middle row left to right)

Isabelle Crow, Josephine Biggs(front & centre) Tom Wouldham


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cup winners( p a r t t w o )

Reporter: E Scrivens

Not to be outdone by year 7, our year 8 football team also faced Cornwallis in the Maidstone Schools Cup Final... and won! Park Life asked team captain, Edward Scrivens, to tell their story...

Inspirational

After an inspirational speech about tactics from our coach, Mr Lisbon, we left for the cup final. On the minibus, spirits were high, and our hearts were pumping loudly in our chests.

Large Crowd

Soon, we arrived at the Gallagher Stadium, home of Maidstone United. We changed into our football kit and walked out to a large crowd screaming. After a quick warm-up, it was time to kick off.

First Goal

Mr Lisbon announced us, and we ran onto the pitch, quickly taking the lead thanks to the first goal of the game from Sam Newland. But only 5 minutes later, Cornwallis scored an equaliser direct from a free kick. Shortly after this, they grabbed another.

Fired Up

During half-time, our coach Mr Lisbon, (as you can imagine) went mad at us! We knew that we would have to score at least 2 goals to win. All fired up, we went back onto the pitch in a much better frame of mind.

Goals for Fun

We quickly scored a goal, thanks to Cassius West scoring directly from a corner, a very good goal indeed. Then we scored goals for fun - 4 goals in 17 minutes.

Game over!

Grandstand

The final score was Valley Park 6, Cornwallis 3. With 4 goals for Sam, 1 for Joe Howells and 1 for Cassius West. All that was left for us to do was lift the cup in front of a packed Grandstand - and pose for photos, of course!

“ALL FIRED UP, WE WENT BACK ONTO THE PITCH

IN A MUCH BETTER FRAME OF

MIND.”

Right: The Year 8 Football Team

(back row left to right):Tom Ruddell, Ben Crooks,

Joe Howes, Jamie Martin, Randall Hadaway,

Sam Newland, Ellis Stanhope, Mr Lisbon,

(front row left to right):Cassius West, Joe Tingley,

Josh Kincaid, Hayden Knowles, Ed Scrivens, Kian Young,

Ethan Wood, Drew Jeffery.

JUNE 2015


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kyle's canteen critique

Reporter: K Siwek

School meals have a reputation for being disgusting and un-healthy, but the canteen at Valley Park offers something completely different. We sent Park Life regular, Kyle Siwek, to cogitate, masticate & elucidate...

Balanced & Delicious

Lunchtime at the Valley Park canteen is the opposite from the stereotype; a balanced and delicious alternative to a packed lunch.

I've had a main meal at our canteen since the first day of year 7 and have rarely been disappointed.

Freshly Prepared

With a regular menu change every 3 months and all of the food freshly prepared at the school canteen, the only things that need improvement are the size of the canteen, and enough good publicity to overcome the stereotype.

Taste Test

Over the past month, I have studied the menu and taste tested all of the canteen’s speciality dishes to come up with the top three (according to me).

3. Fish 'n' Chips

The traditional Friday fish 'n' chips has been on the menu for as long as I can remember and it's the only thing to be regular no matter the week or month.

The chips are nearly always cooked to perfection and the fish always has the right mix of batter and fish to melt in the mouth. Their fish 'n' chips is always something to look forward to.

2. Sweet 'n' Sour Chicken with Noodles

Although this dish is not on the current menu, it never fails to impress and is one of the most delectable things on the entire menu.

Often served with prawn crackers, the best way to enjoy the sweet 'n' sour chicken is to put the noodles and chicken into the prawn cracker and then eat it all at once.

The curry has a fair share of chicken, fruit and vegetables, making it one of the most well-balanced meals on the menu.

1.Chicken & Chive Mushroom Pie

I love any pie on the menu, but their chicken & chive mushroom pie is my favourite dish.

The chicken just goes so well with the mushroom and the pastry is always crunchy on the rim and perfectly cooked on the inside.

The chicken gravy is a must-have with the dish and is always perfect as a prelude to the apple crumble which is served as a desert.

Definitely my number one!

Photo: Park Life reporter, Kyle Siwek, ponders life

as a food critic.JUNE 2015


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When Time Stood Still

This year's Dance Final Major Project (FMP) was an epic production that tackled the emotive themes of 9/11. Park Life asked three of the dancers to recall their diverse experiences...

True Test

'It was a true test of ability,' said year 13 dancer, Ryan Clark. 'We were constantly challenged to push ourselves further and to perform movements we wouldn't usually perform. '

Provoked

'We had to tell a story through our performance, which is a key point for this show,' he continued, 'and after speaking to members of the audience, it seems that our performance provoked the right emotions.'

Visually Appealing

'The FMP also challenged us as choreographers. We worked collaboratively on most of the pieces with Miss Downing & Miss Hardy to create movement that was not only visually appealing but communicated the story, whether it was literal or abstract.'

thought that came into my head was “YES!”.

'I came here to participate in as many shows as possible, and to be surrounded by the arts,' she continued. 'I still can’t believe I was in it.'

Honour

'It was an honour to work with the older dancers. I learnt so much from them, and also developed as a dance student.'

'I was presented with many new movements and different ways to choreograph in a group.'

Combined

'We combined ideas, picking up the better ones - complementing, adding & changing along the way - ending with an amazing piece.'

Accessible

'I think we were able to transform the tragic events of 9/11 into an accessible performance, without forgetting how serious the subject matter was. When the show ended, I just wanted to do it all again!'

Contributors: R Clark • E Nurden • M Santos

Stimulus

'I really enjoyed being part of the FMP this year,' said year 13 dancer, Emily Nurden. 'I love performing, but I also enjoyed the opportunity to choreograph a piece for other dancers. My dance was based on searching and I used torches as a prop to help communicate this stimulus to the audience.'

Dust

'My favourite dance to perform was Dust because I think the use of flour and talc on stage was effective. It was fun to try out something different like this.'

Participate

'When Miss Downing and Miss Hardy told us that a year 13 dance show was open to us,' said year 10 student, Mafalda Santos, 'the first

Main photo:

'Time Slowing Down' Front (Left to Right): Year 11 dancers

Amy Blake, Daisy O’Cock, Charlotte Hughes & Joanna Stanley

Stage (Left to Right): Year 9 dancers Tyler Dewhurst, Megan Barratt,

Amelia Moscrop, Louis Pleace, Mollie Ruler, Jessica Drury ,

Ryan Dewhurst (Y8) & Lauren Gorham

“AFTER SPEAKING TO MEMBERS OF THE

AUDIENCE, IT SEEMS THAT OUR PERFORMANCE

PROVOKED THE RIGHT EMOTIONS”

MARCH 2015

'Dust' - Year 13 Dancers Front: Savannah Kuypers, Savannah Kuypers & Savannah Kuypers

Back: (Left to Right) Ben Kneebone, Ryan Clark


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Reporter: C Leipnik

A resourceful team of Valley Park media students organised and ran this year’s Oscar Awards Ceremony. We asked Park Life reporter, Chloe Leipnik, to find out more...

Meticulous

The evening was months in the making; media students meticulously created scripts & shot-lists, filming and editing the end results, with advice from Head of Media, Mr Smith.

Collaboration

However, there’s far more to running the Oscars than meets the eye.

‘What makes the Oscars unique is the collaboration between teachers and students who organise and run the event,’ said Mr Smith.

'Students worked as ticket officers, event assistants, video supervisors, audio technicians, lighting assistants, photographers and presenters, each role requiring a different set of skills.'

Nerve-wracking

The house band, including Emily Meehan and Maisie Barden, played Killing Me Softly by Roberta Flack and That’s Alright by Elvis Presley, amongst many others.

'Maisie and I have one huge setlist,' said Emily, who also performed with Maisie at Trifestival (see pg. 18tt). 'From that, we take songs that are suitable for the event itself.'

'It was nerve-wracking performing for the Oscars,’ she added. 'It’s a formal event, so there aren't people walking around - they're all in one room watching you!'

Congratulations

‘The Valley Park Oscars is one of the highlights of our school year for me,’ said Mr Gleadall. 'The standard of the nominated films was excellent, as was the superb popcorn.'

‘It was a fantastic night, which the students worked hard to pull off,’ said Mr Ashdown. ‘The Oscars have always been very good - I particularly loved the silent movies this year. Many congratulations to everyone that took part.’

Celebration

The Oscars at Valley Park are a time of reflection and celebration of all of the hard work, time, and dedication it took to produce such high quality short films. However, without the commitment and enthusiasm of our Media students, the evening couldn’t have happened.

Media Gurus

'I would definitely take part again,’ said year 10 student, Poppy Lucas, who was also a part of last year’s Oscars.

‘The Oscars never would have happened if it wasn’t for Mr Smith and his media gurus as he calls us,’ said Poppy, 'so I think from me and the rest of the gurus we need to say a big thank you to him!’

Anticipation

Students and adults alike all wait in anticipation for the next awards evening, once again showcasing another year of great talent.

'The Oscars provides a sophisticated celebration of students' hard work and creativity,’ said Mr Smith, 'whilst teachers, students and parents end the evening bursting with pride. Roll-on Valley Park Oscars 2016!’

media gurus

APRIL 2015

In the filmstrip are titles and stills from the following students' films (from left to right):

'Ghost Girl' • Directed by Sian Holdsworth, featuring Abigail Thewlis.

'Pesadilla' • Directed by Estefanny Ryall, featuring Nikita Chand.

'Geoffrey's Revenge' • Directed by Molly Walton, featuring Molly Walton & Jonny Ryan.

'The Following' • Directed by Aba Oppey, Josh Kidd, Miles Pinnington & Tahar Rahat,

featuring Aba Oppey.

“WHAT MAKES THE OSCARS

UNIQUE IS THE COLLABORATION

BETWEEN TEACHERS AND STUDENTS WHO ORGANISE AND

RUN THE EVENT”


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Students from across key stage 3 & 4 entered the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Junior & Intermediate Maths Challenge...

UKMT

Established in 1996, the UKMT is a registered charity whose aim is to advance the education of children and young people in mathematics.

Over 600,000 students from over 4000 schools take part, making this the UK’s biggest national mathematics competition.

Commendation

Despite facing some tough competition from across the entire country, 10 of our students received particular commendation for their achievements.

Years 7 & 8

Kaylee Schorah achieved Best in School, Best in Year and a Silver Award; Harry Brookman achieved Best in School, Best in Year and a Silver Award; Josh Boswell achieved a Silver Award, & George Fisher achieved a Bronze Award.

Years 9 & 10

Ashley Richens achieved Best in School, Best in Year and a Silver Award; Fiona Wilmingon, Jack Gilby and Bree Hayward achieved Bronze Awards; Amelia Moffett achieved Best in Year and a Bronze Award, & Zachary

Byford achieved a Bronze Award.

Perplexing

This year’s challenge was found to be especially perplexing by all participants countrywide, which makes these students’ achievements even more commendable.

Support

Valley Park’s first ever UKMT Challenge was organized by Ms Parker-Jeffery on behalf of the mathematics department, who supported the students throughout the challenge.

Congratulations

Park Life would like to thank her and congratulate all the participants, including:

Matthew Marsh, Erin Connor, Kevin Gurung, Ryan Dewhurst, Cameron Beech, Roman Francis, Izabel Brown, Cliona Saunders Bradley Naylor, Ellie Davenport, Ellis O’Cock, Abigail Edney, Sofia Moffet, Samuel Brooker, Eva Bruce and Phoebe Smith from years 7 & 8.

Lauren James, Charlie Horne, Jade Pring, Ana Egorova, Reece Shephard, Josie Biggs, Amelia Moscrop, Jessica Crow, Mollie Ruler, Rebecca Ingram & Onisha Lama from years 9 & 10.

FEB & APR 2015

Jo5hBo5w∑ll

H∂rry Br∞km∂n

marvelsmathematic

Contributors: M Hutchinson

∆melia Mo∫∫ett

∆shle∑y Rich∑ns

√a<k Gi1by

G∑org∑ Fish∑r

Br∑∑ ∏ayward

K∂yl∑∑ Schor∂h

∫ion∂ Wi1mington


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From Sam Smith to the Four Seasons, live music took over Valley Park on Saturday 9 May, organised by year 13 music students…

Taste

Throughout the day there was something to cater to everyone's musical taste: Aaron Frith brought Soul to the valley, Emily and Maisie took us down south for a bit of Country, and the Go2s rocked out. The popular Hercity did a great half hour set and the climax of the event was by our year 13 band.

‘Performing was so nerve-wracking,’ said Megan Riley, who performed in girl group K-five, ‘but the audience were warm and everyone was up for a great time. The whole experience was amazing!’

Family Atmosphere

The family atmosphere grew stronger as the day went on: Food, soft play for the children, face painting & sumo wrestling for the more energetic. In the afternoon, even the sun made an appearance.

Falsetto

One of the highlights of the festival was the tribute to the Jersey Boys, sung by Sam Murray, Craig Barden, Harry Harding and Aaron Frith. Who knew what an incredible falsetto Craig has? Everyone was blown away by their mega-medley, sung in four part harmony, and their dance moves were something to remember.

Supported

Over 300 tickets were sold, an astounding amount for the Trifestival

début. The performers all supported each other, and were in turn supported by family and friends.

The day was a big hit with all involved. ‘Everyone performed brilliantly, even those who had not been on stage before,’ said Head of Music, Mr Earl. ‘I’m sure this will be the first of many performances for our new bands.’

MAY 2015

Reporter: S Earl

T R I F E S T I V A L

“WHO KNEW WHAT AN INCREDIBLE FALSETTO CRAIG HAS?”

“EVERYONE WAS BLOWN

AWAY BY THEIR MEGA-

MEDLEY”

Main Photo: (Left to right) Harry Harding, Aaron Frith,

Sam Murray & Craig Bardenperform their tribute to the

Jersey Boys.


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West End actor Haydn Oakley came to Valley Park School to give a workshop to the cast of our summer musical, 'Betty Blue Eyes'...

A Private Function

Valley Park School were given special permission directly from Sir Cameron Mackintosh to stage this musical comedy which is based on the Alan Bennett film, ‘A Private Function’.

Haydn played the lead role of Gilbert Chilvers in the 2014 tour of ‘Betty Blue Eyes’, and kindly gave up his time to enlighten our students with his experience and handy acting tips.

Approachability

'I found the experience very nerve-wracking,’ said sixth form student, Catherine Butler, who plays Joyce Chilvers, 'but his approachability and professionalism allowed me to ask him questions so I could develop my character and knowledge of context.'

Pig No Pig

Catherine, together with other cast members Benjamin Anderton & Josephine Biggs, spent the first hour with Haydn rehearsing 'Pig No Pig', a particularly challenging song from the second act.

Mad & Crazy

'Haydn helped me think of ideas to create new levels for my character,’ said Josephine, 14, who plays the 74 year old character, Mother Dear. 'She’s old, mad and crazy as well as being sneaky and cunning,’ she said, ‘so I have to convince the audience of my age, whilst juggling lyrics and notes!’

Fair Shares

Haydn also worked with the rest of the cast on the opening number, ‘Fair Shares For All’, and helped them all establish who their characters are, in terms of relationships and status. He then answered students’ questions about life as a working actor.

JUNE 2015

betty blue eyesw r k s h o p

Contributors: C Butler • J Biggs

“HAYDN HELPED ME THINK OF IDEAS TO CREATE

NEW LEVELS FOR MY

CHARACTER”


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Entrepreneur and founder of careers website Successatschool.org, Mitesh Bhimjiyani, chose Valley Park students to star in their video...

Film Crew

'Successatschool is a new online tool for schools,' said Valley Park's careers adviser, Mrs Posnette. 'They asked Valley Park to be in their video as we've been making frequent use of their website.'

'A two-man crew from film company Klein and Sons arrived mid-morning and filmed solidly for four hours. They did all the setting up, filming, sound and interviewing.'

'Beforehand, they emailed us a list of questions they wanted to ask so we could prepare, but we had a certain amount of flexibility.'

User-Friendly

Successatschool.org is a user-friendly careers website written for secondary school students, so they can research anything to do with their future, from CV writing and university, to specific career choices.

Guidance

When Valley Park students log in, they can access interesting articles written exclusively for them.

'There are articles that help students understand what to expect from their one-to-one year 11 interview, as well as guidance for year 12 work experience,' said Mrs Posnette. 'We have just launched the site and will continue to update and add new articles regularly.'

Budding journalists can also write

and submit their own articles to the site.

Forums

'Your careers questions are answered by fully qualified careers advisers on their forums,' Mrs Posnette continued, 'and you can check out what your peers are asking about, too.

'Exploring the career zones will help you understand whether an area of work is right for you and what you need to achieve to meet your goals.

Back-up Plan

'You're more likely to make informed decisions if you take some time to research,' said Mrs Posnette. 'It helps you to aim high whilst being realistic about your goals. Give yourself a main aim and a back-up plan too.'

'It's normal for your ambitions to change, but having an ambition to work towards is the most important thing. '

Work-Ready Applicants

Successatschool.org also has links to other websites which give you more details on specific areas, such as apprenticeships.

Employers look for work-ready applicants with outstanding grades, so getting work experience can help you know what is expected of you when you leave school.

success at schoolContributor: A Posnette

MARCH 2015

To register, go to successatschool.org

and click register now.

Main Photo: Four Sixth Form students were asked

to give their opinions on successatschool.org.

(From left to right) Alisha Bell, Catherine Butler,

Ryan Clark & James Kiell.

“WHEN VALLEY PARK STUDENTS LOG IN, THEY

CAN ACCESS INTERESTING ARTICLES WRITTEN

EXCLUSIVELY FOR THEM”


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park live!10 year 9 Students went to London’s BBC Broadcasting House to be part of this year's School Report...

Seventh Floor

After meeting at Maidstone East station, they travelled up to London Victoria and by tube to Oxford Circus. They were met by their guide, Peter Gilman, and Newsbeat journalist Kat Collins, who took them to the seventh floor, home of Radio 1.

Brief

In the learning centre they formed three groups and carefully sorted through newspapers, selecting stories that would fit their brief of writing a Newsbeat bulletin aimed at 13-14 year olds. They summarised these stories, then crafted their language to make it appropriate for the radio, all in just 40 minutes.

Deadlines

After tight deadlines, they went to record the bulletin in the actual Newsbeat studio. 'It was a surreal experience for us,' said year 9 student Chloe Leipnik, 'as many popular presenters have sat in the very chairs we sat in!'

Recording

They then began the exciting and complicated process of recording their Newsbeat bulletins, before going on a tour of Radio 1. They briefly

met some of the many presenters who were recording that day’s news, and watched them at work from the studio opposite. The whole building was very open-plan and spacious, with modern and personal finishes on every wall. It would be a truly wonderful place to work.

Festival

After lunch they formed part of the radio theatre audience, and were part of the first Radio 1 School Report Festival. All the schools that had been invited to attend were there, and Valley Park's Newsbeat bulletin was broadcast. Celebrity vlogger Jim Chapman answered questions about his experiences, and gave the audience an insight into his career and life as a famous YouTuber, offering tips and valuable advice to students about how to become a successful vlogger.

Consume

They were also able to ask Radio 1 controller, Ben Cooper, questions about his role. He explained how important it is for young people to listen to the radio and how he is aiming to make it more accessible to teenagers. He said that online content and apps are becoming an increasingly popular way for teens and young people to consume their news.

Bulletin

'The overall day was a brilliant experience,' said Chloe. 'Being interested in the idea of journalism myself, I found it very interesting how much work goes into a simple bulletin, that we as consumers take for granted. So many hard working and dedicated people wake up at the crack of dawn to produce our radio programmes; this experience definitely was enlightening, and helped all of us appreciate the amount of work that goes into Newsbeat.'

Interactive

'The students were very interactive during the task and didn’t need much encouragement,' remarked Peter Gilman, their BBC guide for the day. 'My biggest learning curve came from trusting them and letting them get on with it, just being on hand when needed.'

He added, 'Although really the biggest enjoyment came seeing their reaction when we bumped into Fern Cotton in the Live Lounge!'

Newsbeat

'The group was a pleasure to work with,' said Newsbeat journalist, Kat Collins. 'They all clearly put a lot of effort into it and I really hope they took something from it... and enjoyed it too!'

A video showing photos from the day, accompanied by one of the Newsbeat bulletins, can be viewed on our website.

Contributor: C Leipnik

MARCH 2015

“IT WAS A SURREAL

EXPERIENCE FOR US,

AS MANY POPULAR

PRESENTERS HAVE SAT IN

THE VERY CHAIRS WE

SAT IN!”

Top:Hannah Forrest interviews

Hannah Wolfe, with Newsbeat journalist Kat Collins overseeing

the recording.

Middle:Chloe Leipnik takes advice from

Kat Collins during the recording of their Newsbeat bulletin.

Bottom:Hannah Wolfe , Hannah Forrest &

Tyrone Vadher in the editing room.


27


26

fremlind a n c e

Reporter: K Siwek

Year 9 students had a very hot and active Focus Day, culminating in a 'flash mob' performance in the town centre...

Sun Cream & Water

Armed with plenty of sun cream and water, year 9 students assembled on the sports field to learn the flash mob.

‘They worked extremely hard all day,' said dance teacher, Miss Downing. 'Many students continued rehearsing during lunch to ensure it was perfect!'

Group Selfie

The dancers marched to Fremlin Walk and gathered in groups before performing to a medley of songs including Billie Jean by Michael Jackson & Don't Stop Me Now by Queen. GCSE Dance students led the flash mob to the middle of Fremlin Walk, where the dance finished with a group selfie.

Great Atmosphere

'There was a great atmosphere in Fremlin Walk during the flash mob,' said Miss Downing. 'Members of the public were stopping, smiling and getting involved, which is what a flash mob is all about! The students were brilliant and certainly a credit to the school!’

JUNE 2015

Main Photo:Year 9 students, led by GCSE dance students Mollie Ruler,

Amelia Moscrop (front), with Fenella Miln, Angel DaSilva,

Lauren Gorham, Reece Shepherd & Louis Pleace

Artwork: Ceramics by Catherine ButlerTextiles by Kim WarrenPainting by Chloe ManyweathersPhotograph by Kamie Burton

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