Accompanying the printed version of this Bulletin please find two copies of School Rules & Expectations document — please retain the colour copy for your records, the black and white copy should be duly signed and returned to the office by Thursday 24 February. Thank you.

Parental Questionnaire

Your views on the School are important to us and to this end if you use the link below, this will allow you to complete this electronically. Please answer in the knowledge that your response is anonymous, and that only the Principals will see the detailed answers received. The overall summary of the Responses will be shared with parents with the publication of the end of term Newsletter, March 2012. Please answer the questionnaire for each child.

Click here to complete the questionnaire.

Rotary Youth Speaks

George Saunders, Ben Rodman and Ben Westwood took their presentation on The Nature of the Oil Industry to the next level in Marlow last Thursday evening. The three Year 11 boys challenged their audience once again, to consider the true price of fuel with their question: ‘Is the price of oil, really too high?’.

Their delivery was excellent, though they were pipped into second place. All three received the compliments of the judges and the congratulations of many for choosing to address an issue of true importance and substance.

World Education Games 6–8 March 2012

All pupils should have received their login details and the site is open for practise in both World Spelling Day and World Maths Day. Prizes will be awarded to the highest score in every year group and a House Trophy for the house with the most points.

Maths GCSE Re–sit Unit 1 and Unit 2 Examination

This is to remind Year 10 and 11 pupils who will do their resits of Unit 1 and 2 in March that they only have 2 more sessions of Revision classes before the examination. Some pupils sadly are not taking the opportunity offered to them by the Mathematics Department. Pupils have been given six sets of practice papers that they should have been working on and these papers are also available in the CC Hub. The lists of topics included in the syllabus can also be found in the CC Hub.

Office News & Looking Ahead

• Friday 10 February — Sports Scholarships — these have been cancelled new date to be advised.
• Monday13–Friday 17 February — Half Term
• Saturday 11 February — UK Chess Challenge Qualifying tournament at Ridgeway
• Sunday 12 February — Berkshire U11 Chess Team Event at Ridgeway
• Thursday 23 February — Year 7 Parents Evening from 6.30pm
• Tuesday 28 February — Year 11 Parents Evening from 6.30pm

A Note from our Domestic Bursar

Parents & Pupils are reminded the school has a no nut policy. An empty bag of peanuts was found at Claires Court which could be equally fatal as the missing contents to at least five of our pupils.

We again need to appeal to you to ensure that your child is fit for school in the mornings, as this last week has been very difficult due to the presence of a sickness and diarrhoea bug which the boys are happily sharing with each other.

We ask that you keep your son at home in order to stop the spread of infection. Thank you for your co-operation.

Music Matters

Instrumental Lessons

Instrumental Lessons resume straight away after the Half Term Break. Lesson times will be posted on the board by the end of today.

Year 7 — Chinese Projects

Year 7 Chinese Projects are due in after Half Term. Could Mr Roach remind the boys that a hard copy is required and that they are not sent to the Hub or emailed to him. No excuses please.

Music Concert

There is a Music Concert at Claires Court on 14 March starting at 4.15pm featuring a variety of Music. More details to follow after Half Term.

Open Morning (for Prospective pupils) at Claires Court Schools

Wednesday 22 February from 9.30am – 12.00 noon (11.30am Nursery) at all three sites.

PTA News

Friday 23 March — PTA Quiz Night At College

£12.50 per person which includes a fish and chip supper. Register your team now Bookings taken via PTABookings@googlemail.com with team name and contact details of Team Captain (max 8 per table).

Diamond Ball on Saturday 12 May

Let the countdown begin! Invitations and information on how to book this sell-out event will be released on Friday 24 February. So why not organise your table of 12 now as tables will be reserved on a ‘first come first served basis’

February Half–term Holiday Club — Monday 13–Friday 17 February

Spaces still available at Claires Court Schools Community Activities... book now to join our Open Art Studio, Chess Workshop, Pop Art Masterclass as well as our Fashion and Puppet Craft Masterclasses.

Visit www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub for the Booking Forms and terms & conditions. Please email holidayclub@clairescourt.com or call 01628 687440 for further information.

Library News — Book Cover Competition

The Education Library Service is running this competition which is open to all senior pupils. The maximum size entry is A4 and it can be a real book or you can make one up. Ms Majoros our Librarian has full details.

Reminder — Glue Stick

Please could all boys have a glue stick in their pencil cases — these can be purchased for a £1 from the Science Technician in the Prep Room.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Mr Luke Wespieser on the arrival of Edie on Tuesday 7 Februaryweighing 10lb 11oz

Both mum and daughter are doing well.

Trips

U16 footballers in East Anglia

Good Luck to our U16 footballers in East Anglia and our Year 11 historians visiting Berlin. We hope that weather and travel conditions allow both tours to go ahead without problems and look forward to hearing about their travels after half term.

Year 8 Art Trip to The V & A Museum

Tuesday 28 February, departing at 9.00am and returning 4.00/4.30pm. Full school uniform must be worn and boys will need to bring their sketchbooks, drawing materials and a good packed lunch. There is no charge for this trip but please return the consent form to the office as soon as possible as these are now overdue. Thank you.

Year 10/11 Drama Trip — Noises Off — Wednesday 29 February

Full details have been distributed about this trip. Departing from school at 5.30pm and returning for approximately 11.00pm.

"I'm not going to vacuum until Dyson makes one you can ride on."

Rose–anne Barr

JMR 10/2/12

Snow, snow and now more snow! The boys have enjoyed playing in it all week, having great fun, though it has disrupted sport with all matches being cancelled this week. However, we were extremely pleased with the performances of our cross-country team last Friday — just before the snow arrived — as they came second out of 18 teams which competed in the ISA Regional Cross Country Championships. A terrific performance. A special mention to Harry Turner (6W) and Louis Brown (5G) who have both qualified to run in the National Finals later this term.

Another terrific success was recorded by our Chess team last Friday. Playing against many older boys, Ridgeway beat Papplewick School 6½ to 1½, a thumping victory! Well done.

Following these successes in sport and chess came a truly wonderful afternoon on Thursday when ten ‘acts’ from our older pupils performed in ‘Ridgeway's Got Talent’. There were singers, dancers, musicians and comedians, all excellent in their different ways. The ‘stand out’ winner, however, was Raphael Conte(5G) whose performance on the electric violin was stunning. Very well done Raphael. It was an outstanding performance which we will look forward to hearing again.

It has been a busy week, for on top of all this, Year 5 have enjoyed a ‘French Breakfast’, Year 1 visited the Natural History Museum and Year 6 were visited by the Ancient Greeks. Year 5 have been awarded with The Rabbit Award for their excellent effort and enthusiasm during the French Breakfast and the second Rabbit Award goes to Oliver McMillan (2G) for displaying excellent behaviour and good manners when visitors came to the school early in the week. Well done Year 5 and Oliver.

Parents and boys alike, we hope you enjoy the half term break and we look forward to the second half of the term.

Parental Questionnaire

Your views on the School are important to us and to this end if you use the link below, this will allow you to complete this electronically. Please answer in the knowledge that your response is anonymous, and that only the Principals will see the detailed answers received. The overall summary of the Responses will be shared with parents with the publication of the end of term Newsletter, March 2012. Please answer the questionnaire for each child.

Click here to complete the questionnaire.

Bulletin By Email

We have received a good proportion of replies regarding the update of your priority email address for Bulletins and essential information e.g. snow arrangements. However, there are a few which we have not received back and would greatly appreciate these being returned asap so we can communicate in a speedier fashion after half term. Thank you.

For Prospective Pupils — Open Morning In Claires Court Schools

Wednesday 22 February — Open Morning

• 9.30–12.00 — Ridgeway, Claires Court, The College & Sixth Form
• 9.30–11.30 — Nursery

No appointment necessary, just drop in...

Tuesday 7 February — Year 1 Visit To The National History Musuem

Year 1 visited the Natural History Museum on Tuesday. The boys marvelled on the size of some dinosaurs, recognised a painting of the fossil collector Mary Anning and experienced an earthquake in the Japanese shop. All the boys are to be congratulated on their behaviour and enthusiasm for everything they saw.

Wednesday 8 February — Year 5 French Breakfast

The boys in Year 5 experienced a true French breakfast ‘Petit–déjeuner FranÇais‘ in school as part of their French topic ‘food and drink’ on Wednesday this week. Some of the boys were chosen as waiters and all boys were encouraged to speak French as well as sampling croissants, baguettes, pains au chocolat, orange juice and coffee.

Swimming — Years 2 and 3

After half term the boys in Years 2 and 3 will be having swimming lessons on Fridays until the end of term. Please see the accompanying letter.

Shrove Tuesday — 21 February

On Tuesday 21 February the boys will be offered pancakes as their dessert which replaces the normal scheduled dessert of Belgian waffle and maple syrup.

Sportsman's Dinner — Saturday 25 February

Tickets for this event have sold quickly, but there are still tickets available should you wish to make up a table (8–12 people) or simply join in with other ‘revellers’! Any final orders for tickets by Tuesday 21 February please.

Sainsbury's Active Kids 2012 — Spend And Collect

Sainsbury's is once again running this scheme which encourages children to be healthy through having a go at sport. You can collect vouchers in store from Wednesday 15 February. We would very much appreciate any vouchers you collect.

Lost

• Harry Turner — has mislaid his green school coat.
• Ethan Clarke — has lost two of his school shirts.
• Jamie Webster — is unable to find his size 6 Nike trainers which are black with an orange tick
• Alistair Jesseman — cap cannot be found.

Society News

PTA Quiz Night — Friday 23 March

If you wish to enter a team for this quiz evening with a fish and chip supper for £12.50, please drop an email to PTABookings@googlemail.com. There are a few places left if you hurry!

Holiday Club News

Spaces still available at Claires Court Schools Community Activities… book now to join our Open Art Studio, Chess Workshop, Pop Art Masterclass as well as our Fashion and Puppet Craft Masterclasses.

Visit www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub for the Booking Forms and terms & conditions. Please email holidayclub@clairescourt.com or call 01628 687440 if you need more information.

J.C.W. 10.02.12

Please note that we are still awaiting a number of slips to be returned from parents. One of our problems is that the paper copy, distributed to pupils, does not always reach parents at home! It is our intention to distribute the Colloquium via email rather than printing over 200 of them each week and finding that some are still stuffed in the bottom of girls' bags or left in desks on a Monday morning! Please return the slip as soon as possible.

ISA Regional Cross Country Results

Huge congratulations to all girls who took part in the ISA cross country last Friday: they all put in in fine performances and were true ambassadors for the School. It was a freezing cold day but all girls prepared themselves really well and ran to the very best of their ability in what were some challenging conditions.

The following girls ran extremely well and having come within the top 10 in their age group will go on to represent the School and London West at the ISA Nationals on Saturday 3 March:

Lana Wallis (Year 4) finished in 5th place in her race which is exceptional as she was running up for her age in the Years 5/6 competition;

Courtney Cuthill (Year 10) finished in 6th place in the U16 category and Maddie Jones, Sarah Allerton and Bethany Howard all qualified in the Over 16 competition coming in 5th, 7th and 9th places.

Both the U16 and Over 16 girls came 3rd in the team event and the Over 16 boys came in 2nd in the team event.

Well done to all!

Thank you also to all the parents who came to support on the day and braved the chilly weather!

National Storytelling Week

Last Friday, Year 5 and Pre-Prep celebrated National Storytelling week run by the Society for Storytelling. The girls in Year 5 shared fairy stories and fables they had prepared, using eye contact and their imaginative use of voice to tell their tales. Together, Year 1 told the story of 'The Emperor and the Nightingale' and Year 2 shared stories they had written about 'One Snowy Day'. Did they know what the week–end was going to bring?!

Year 1 Enjoy A French Breakfast!

In Geography this term, the Year 1 girls are learning about life in different countries through food. This week they have been studying France and enjoyed a typically French breakfast of croissants and hot chocolate. Mmm, delicious!

Good Luck To Our Year 11 Historians Visiting Berlin

We hope that weather and travel conditions allow the tour to go ahead without problems and look forward to hearing about their travels after half term. Advice regarding warm clothing has been sent home.

Important information for parents

Parental Questionnaire

Your views on the School are important to us and to this end if you use the link below, this will allow you to complete this electronically. Please answer in the knowledge that your response is anonymous, and that only the Principals will see the detailed answers received. The overall summary of the Responses will be shared with parents with the publication of the end of term Newsletter, March 2012. Please answer the questionnaire for each child.

To complete the questionnaire, please visit our website, www.clairescourt.com and click on the link from the front page.

Grades and Reports

Year 7 girls will bring home a full report and Years 8. 9 and 10 will have a Grade Card. Please return the acknowledgement slip on the first day back.

GCSE Spanish Controlled Speaking Assessments

Senora Lattimer's Year 11 Spanish group will be doing their GCSE Controlled Speaking Assessment during their Spanish lesson on Friday 24 February. The girls already have all the material they need for this assessment and they should be learning and practising it in small amounts, on a regular basis, over the next two weeks.

Sainsbury's Active Kids

We will be collecting vouchers again this year — they will be issued from 15 February through to 10 April. In previous years we have obtained many useful items so please, spend, spend, spend (at Sainsbury's!).

February Half–Term Holiday Club Monday 13–Friday 17 February

Spaces are still available at Claires Court Schools Community Activities… book now to join our Open Art Studio, Chess Workshop, Pop Art Masterclass as well as our Fashion and Puppet Craft Masterclasses.

Visit www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub for the Booking Forms and terms & conditions.

Please email holidayclub@clairescourt.com or call 01628 687440 if you need more information.

Forthcoming PTA Events (busy, busy!)

PTA ‘Early Years’ Coffee Morning — Tuesday 6 March

The PTA will be holding a coffee morning from 9am to 10am in the College Dining Room. All our Nursery, Transition and Reception parents, who make up the ‘Early Years’ Department, are invited to join the PTA and Mr Bevis. There will be a reply slip on the next Colloquium to help us with numbers for catering.

PTA Second Hand Uniform Sale On Friday 16 March 3pm in the Dining Room

Advance notice to have a sort out over half term!!

Quiz Night On Friday 23 March 7.30pm

A flyer was sent home last week and tables are booking up fast! Tickets are £12.50 to include fish and chips. Register your team now by emailing PTAbookings@googlemail.com.

Diamond Ball On Saturday 12 May

Let the countdown begin! Invitations and information on how to book this sell–out event will be released on Friday 24 February. So why not organise your table of 12 now as tables will be reserved on a ‘first come, first served basis’.

Nursery & Transition News — (specific news but please read the rest of the Colloquium!)

After half term, Nursery children will be learning about hexagons and Transition will start to talk about colours, beginning with those in food.

Tues 28 Feb — Nursery & Transition Class Photos

All children are invited to come in to join their class photo. If your child does not attend on a Tuesday, you will need to remain to take your child home after the photo. Please see the Coffee Morning Invitation above.

Dates!

Monday 13–Friday 17 February — Half Term

Main School — Week Commencing Monday 20 February 2011 — Week 1 of the Lent Term Menu

Mon 20 Feb — Year 10 College Art Trip To Tate Britain

The girls will leave College at 9am travelling to London by coach and returning for approximately 3.30pm. School uniform should be worn and the girls will require a packed lunch. They will also need to take a sketchbook, dry drawing materials and a small amount of money to buy postcards.

Tues 21 Feb — Year 7 Parents' Evening from 6pm

Year 7 pupils will have brought home a letter regarding Parents' Evening. Please indicate which of your daughter's teachers you would like to meet and she should make timed appointments on your behalf.

Wed 22 March — Open Morning On All Three Sites

From 9.30am–12.00pm (to 11.30am for the Nursery). We welcome prospective parents and also our existing parents who might be considering the next step e.g. Nursery to College. There is no need to book, just turn up! You will be shown around the division of your choice by some of our girls and have the opportunity to meet Mr Bevis and other senior members of staff.

Mon 27 Feb — PTA Committee Meeting 7.30pm in the Senior Library

Tues 28 Feb — Junior Prep Parents' Evening

Your daughter will bring home a letter today inviting you to make an appointment to meet her teacher. Please return the slip by Tuesday 21 February even if you do not require an appointment.

Thurs 1 Mar — World Book Day

Please see the attached ELS (Education Library Service) Book Cover Competition 2012 flyer which is part of the World Book Day event on 1 March.

Thurs 1 Mar — Year 9 Parents' Evening 6pm

A letter will be sent home after half term inviting parents to make appointments with their daughter's teachers.

Advance Dates!

16–18 March 2012 Year 10 Gcse Geography Field Trip

There are still some payments outstanding!! These were due for return by Friday 13 January. If you have not yet paid, this is now very, very overdue!

20–24 Oct — German Language Trip To Cologne (Years 8, 9 & 10)

A letter was sent home today with pupils. Please return the consent slip and deposit of £100 by Friday 16 March.

Notes From The Head Teacher

What a wonderful way to finish the term — a vibrant, buzzy Year 9 GCSE Options evening with every family in attendance, staff talking passionately about their subjects, and with girls showing a thoughtful, mature and intelligent approach as they begin taking control of their educational future.

Add to that a gloriously sunny and snowy morning and the prospect of a half term holiday. It has been marvellous to see ‘young children’ of all ages enjoying the snow here and I have also offered a prize to the most innovative lesson using snow as a stimulus. At present the leading contenders are from our youngest classes — Year 1 and 2, but more next time.

During my presentation to parents and their daughters at the Options Evening I pointed out that their GCSE assessments and grades are the first hurdle that begins to have an impact on their future. Universities, especially those in the 1st division are now taking a ‘long’ look at a student's achievements and evidence of engagement with a degree area, right back to GCSE and their activities within the co-curricular programme. Employers want high level functional skills, plus that flash of ‘colour’ that makes somebody stand out. To our Year 9's all I would say is: take the process slowly and make sure you chat to lots of people — remember that your tutor and all the subject staff are there to help you, so ask as many questions as you can.

Looking forward to — Year 7 Parents Evening very soon after we return and I will be writing to you with some very important information about the MiDYis baseline testing that we undertook last term, for which we now have the results, and we would like to share with you.

That just leaves me to say enjoy half term and relish the time with your daughters.

Paul Bevis

Have a lovely half term!!

10.2.12

Congratulations to Abi Davies, Alice Penn, Chris Forte and Tobi Stubbs for outstanding performances in their own devised performance on Thursday evening. Their powerful and emotional representations of characters facing death must surely have earned them high grades for this drama module of their A2 examination. The audience left the theatre impressed and with a great deal on which to ponder, which no doubt was the intention of the piece. The group is grateful to Elliot Stokes and Josh Harris for their technical support.

Congratulations to Mr Luke Wespieseron the arrival of Edie on Tuesday 7 February weighing 10lb 11oz

Both mum and daughter are doing well.

Young Enterprise — Claires Court Year 12s

The Claires Court Young Enterprise team, Quantum, wowed shoppers at the Nicholson's Shopping Centre in Maidenhead last Saturday with their innovative range of personalised items. MD Chester Camm was on hand to take photographs of customers and their families to be printed on items of their choice by SD Graphics of Maidenhead. The product range included mugs, coasters, key rings, fridge magnets, mouse mats and canvas prints of various sizes. Chester was well supported by the rest of the team who all looked extremely smart in their navy blue Quantum polo shirts with black trousers.

One of the judges, Chamber of Commerce President Mike Walker said "We were very impressed with Quantum's trade stand which was extremely innovative and compared well to the other teams' stands. We really liked their product range too.".

Unfortunately this wasn't enough to win them the Trade Fair cup in a closely fought contest which went to Newlands School with their interesting range of diaries. Laura Mayo-Randall who, together with Jenny Moore had chosen the product range for the Quantum team said "We were disappointed not to win the cup but it was a fun experience and we learnt a lot as the day wore on. Fortunately this isn't the end of the competition and we now know what we need to do to win the Area Final in March which will get us to the County Final in April."

Mr Bevis was on hand to congratulate the team on a job well done.

Monday 6 February — Years 12 & 13 Geography lecture at Royal Holloway College, Egham

A group of Sixth Form geographers attended this third lecture at the Royal Holloway College. This time Dr Peter French discussed issues of managing the coast, particularly introducing students to the idea that coastal erosion is both a good and important phenomena which is highly unpredictable. He highlighted the issues that arise from people buying coastal properties without realising or understanding that in just a few years the land they're on may no longer exist, something that seems to happen with high regularity!

RHUL have a website and twitter feed about the lectures.

Swimarathon — sponsorship money reminder

A reminder to all participants in the Swimarathon: Following our successful participation in this event it is now time to bring in the sponsorship money that was promised. Please finalise and bring in your money as soon as possible. Deliver to the Sixth Form office or to Mrs Burdett please.

Playworkers' Course during Half Term

A reminder to all students on this course that you have a First Aid course on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 February in HM4/Chapel (from 10 am). Later in the week most of you have a day in Holiday Club during which you are being assessed. Please make sure these dates are in your diaries.

English Coursework Deadlines

Mrs Fearn is very concerned that Year 13 A2 English Literature students are falling behind in preparing important coursework which will constitute 40% of the marks for their A2 grade. This coursework MUST be completed in good time to allow for revision and refinement before submission.

• First draft deadline — Friday 24 February
• Final version submitted for marking — Friday 9 March.

Forthcoming Society/PTA Events

Quiz Night On Friday 23 March 7.30pm

A flyer was sent home last week and tables are booking up fast! Tickets are £12.50 to include fish and chips. Register your team now by emailing ptabookings@google.com.

Diamond Ball On Saturday 12 May

Let the countdown begin! Invitations and information on how to book this sell–out event will be released on Friday 24 February. So why not organise your table of 12 now as tables will be reserved on a ‘first come, first served basis’.

"If A equals success, then the formula is: A = X + Y + Z, X is work. Y is play. Z is keep your mouth shut."

Albert Einstein

PAB 10.02.2012

Young Enterprise schools' competition

Claires Court Year 12's are once again involved in this year's Young Enterprise schools' competition with their team Quantum. The next event in this year's competition is this Saturday at the Nicholson's Shopping Centre in Maidenhead where Quantum will be selling their range of personalised mugs, coasters, key rings, mouse mats and canvas prints to as many shoppers as they can. Quantum’s MD Chester Camm, supported by the rest of his team, will be on hand to take pictures to be printed on the item of the customer's choice by Maidenhead based company, Select Graphics. Select's MD Dave Cooper has been very encouraging and enthusiastic in his help and assistance to the Quantum team. Come along to the Nicholson’s Shopping Centre between 9 am and 4 pm on Saturday to support Quantum and buy a range of their products personalised to your choice. They are in competition with teams from Newlands, Furze Platt and Charters. Come and help them by purchasing their products to win the cup!

Rotary Youth Speaks

The winning team went forward to the District Final which was held last night, details in next weeks Bulletin.

Office News & Looking Ahead

• Saturday 4 February — Academic/Drama/Music Scholarships
• Tuesday 7 February — Year 9 Parents' Evening
• Weds 8 Feb — Year 7 Alcohol Awareness talk
• Friday 10 February — Sports Scholarships
• Friday 10 to Monday 13 February — U16 Football Tour to East Anglia
• Monday13 to Friday 17 February — HALF TERM
• Saturday 11 February — UK Chess Challenge Qualifying tournament at Ridgeway
• Sunday 12 February — Berkshire U11 Chess Team Event at Ridgeway

Exam News

• German GCSE Controlled Assessment Writing: Tuesday 7 February, P9+10
• German GCSE Controlled Assessment Speaking: Thursday 9 February, P9+10

Snowphone Cascade Update

An updated Snow phone list has been posted out this week for boys in Form 11A. Please do check it has arrived safely and destroy the previous list, thank you. Copies available from the office if needed.

Lost kit bag

We have been searching for a full kit bag belonging to Cameron Gates for two weeks. Toby Yate has lost both his white rowing top and black rowing trousers, both named on the inside labels. Please do check that you have not picked these up accidentally. If found please return to the office. Thank you.

PTA News

Friday 23 March — PTA Quiz Night At College

Full information on how to book accompanies the printed version of this Bulletin.

Diamond Ball on Saturday 12 May

Let the countdown begin! Invitations and information on how to book this sell–out event will be released on Friday 24 February. So why not organise your table of 12 now as tables will be reserved on a ‘first come first served basis’.

February Half–term Holiday Club — Monday 13 to Friday 17 February

Book immediately for discounted booking rate at February half–term Holiday Club and last chance to book a hot lunch (both end today). Look online at our ‘Event Calendar’ for highlights and menu. Complete a downloaded Booking Form from our website and email us NOW!

Spaces still available at Claires Court Schools Community Activities… book now to join our Open Art Studio, Chess Workshop, Pop Art Masterclass as well as our Fashion and Puppet Craft Masterclasses.

Visit www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub for the Booking Forms and terms & conditions. Please email holidayclub@clairescourt.com or call 01628 687440 for further information.

Library News

Book Cover Competition

The Education Library Service is running this competition which is open to all senior pupils. The maximum size entry is A4 and it can be a real book or you can make one up. Ms Majoros our Librarian has full details.

Book Swap

Monday 6 February and in celebration of National Libraries Day — bring in a book in good condition that you have enjoyed and bring this book to the Library then you can choose a new book and swap it for your old one to take home and enjoy. Make sure your parents agree!

Trips

Year 11 History Trip to Berlin

Reminder that all information should have been handed in by now.

Year 8 Art Trip to The V&A Museum — Tuesday 28 February

Departing at 9.00am and returning 4.00pm/4.30pm. Full school uniform must be worn and boys will need to bring their sketchbooks, drawing materials and a good packed lunch. There is no charge for this trip but please return the consent form to the office by Friday 10 February. Thank you.

"Did you know the new McLaren MPH4-27 has a tighter rear end."

This data supplied from Mr Rayer.

JMR 3/2/12

Our Rabbit Awards this week go to Oliver Lythgoe (4G) and Harry Yeomans (6W) who have both shown outstanding kindness and consideration for other pupils during the week. Well done Oliver and Harry.

Finally, good luck today to our chess team at Papplewick, our cross–country runners at the ISA Regional event and a number of Year 6 boys tomorrow at the Claires Court Senior School scholarship examinations.

Victorian Museum — Year 5

On Thursday Year 5 boys and girls enjoyed a very informative day at Reading Museum. They were given a chance to wander around the museum and particularly enjoyed finding out about the history of Huntley and Palmers biscuit factory. The main highlight of the day was when the pupils visited a Victorian schoolroom and learnt what it was like to be child in those times.

Tuesday 7 February — Year 6 Greeks Day

Year 6 girls and boys are looking forward to their ‘Learning through action’ Greek day on Tuesday. The girls from The College will be joining us at Ridgeway.

Year 1 Visit To Natural History Museum — 7 February

Year 1 will be visiting the Natural History Museum on Tuesday as part of their National Curriculum Stage 1 History Syllabus. They will have the opportunity to test their ability at recognising which reptiles are dinosaurs and to answer questions. The boys will also visit an exhibition on Creepy Crawlies and study the ‘Restless surface’ in the Earth Gallery. Boys need to bring a packed lunch in a named plastic carrier bag.

French Breakfast — Wednesday 8 February

Year 5 boys will be simulating a French Style café, with menus and flags on the dining room wall. Some of the boys will be dressed up as waiters taking orders for breakfast from other pupils, which they will then serve to boys at their table. They will be drinking hot chocolate or orange juice, and eating croissants, pains au chocolat and French bread. The whole event takes place to encourage boys to speak French throughout the morning which will develop their language skills. Letters have gone home today for consent to take part in case of allergies.

‘Ridgeway’s Got Talent’ — Thursday 9 February

Auditions are over and the final 10 acts were announced in assembly today. These pupils will be performing in our annual ‘Ridgeway's Got Talent’ Show on Thursday 9 February at 2pm. Parents are welcome to come and support their sons and join us in enjoying an entertaining afternoon. All the pupils will watch and then be able to ‘vote’ for their favourite act. The winner will then be presented with the coveted ‘Ridgeway's Got Talent’ trophy.

Nearly New Uniform Sale — Friday 10 February

A reminder that the nearly new uniform sale is taking place on Friday 10 Feb from 3pm–4.15pm in the Sports Hall.

Parking

Please note that the staff car park at the front of the school should not be used to drop off children in the mornings or for collection in the evenings unless eligible for using the disabled parking bay. The other exception to this is if you are dropping your son off early for pre-school care. Otherwise, please park in the car park by the Sports Hall. This is in the interest of safety.

3 For 3 Charities — Fund raising commences Monday 27 February

Each year we support 3 local charities during Lent. As last year, the charities we are supporting are: The Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service, The Thames Valley Adventure Playground and Kids in Sport.

Library News

We are looking forward to the Ridgeway Book Swap on Monday and those who have ordered from the Puffin Book Club will be pleased to know that the order has been placed and we are expecting delivery before half term.

Lost Property

• Max Nicol has mislaid his cap and a pair of white trainers.
• Toby Smith is missing his tracksuit top.
• Richard Cselik's grey school shorts cannot be found nor his pencil case which went missing from the art room.
• Alex Walker is unable to find his PE top, rugby socks and swimming costume.

If any of these items are found please deliver them to the school office. Thank you.

Society News

Friday 23 March — PTA Quiz Night At College

Full information on how to book accompanies this Bulletin.

Diamond Ball on Saturday 12 May — Let the countdown begin!

Invitations and information on how to book this sell–out event will be released on Friday 24 February. So why not organise your table of 12 now as tables will be reserved on a ‘first come first served basis’.

Holiday Club

Book immediately for discounted booking rate at February half-term Holiday Club… and last chance to book a hot lunch (both end Friday 3rd February). Look online at our ‘Event Calendar’ for highlights and menu. Complete a downloaded Booking Form from our website and email us NOW!

Spaces still available at Claires Court Schools Community Activities… book now to join our Open Art Studio, Chess Workshop, Pop Art Masterclass as well as our Fashion and Puppet Craft Masterclasses.

Visit www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub for the Booking Forms and terms & conditions. Please email holidayclub@clairescourt.com or call 01628 687440 if you need more information.

J.C.W. 3.2.12

Ellie Rayer Selected For U16 England Hockey Team!!

Ellie Rayer, 10E, has been selected for the England National U16 Girls Programme 2012. As a member of this squad she will travel to Cardiff over half term where they will train with (and play against) their Welsh equivalents. Over Easter they will travel to Hanover where they will compete in the 4 Nations Cup against Germany, Belgium and Scotland.

Ellie qualified at Bisham Abbey last Sunday after representing Claires Court, Berkshire, Mercia Lynx and the England U16 Development Squad.

Able Writers' Day

Last Friday, eight girls from Years 5 & 6 attended a journalism workshop run by the journalist Eileen Condon. This was held at Harmans Water Primary School in Bracknell and pupils from four other schools also participated, all eager to learn the skills of becoming a journalist. The day began with learning good interviewing techniques, then practising these by pairing up with someone they didn't know in the room. The pupils then wrote reviews about their hobbies and interests and shared these within the whole group. Eileen then introduced the children to a technique called ‘the inverted triangle’ and asked them to try this out on a newspaper report of their own. The afternoon was spent with the children working in small editorial groups creating an entire newspaper on the computer. Our girls produced a wonderful School newspaper which reported on all the events that have happened so far this year. Well done girls for working so hard and collaborating to make an excellent piece of work.

Young Enterprise

Claires Court Year 12s are once again involved in this year's Young Enterprise Schools' competition with their team Quantum. The latest event in this year's competition happens this Saturday at the Nicholson's Shopping Centre in Maidenhead where Quantum will be selling their range of personalised mugs, coasters, key rings, mouse mats and canvas prints to as many shoppers as they can. Quantum's MD Chester Camm, supported by the rest of his team, will be on hand to take pictures to be printed on the item of the customer's choice by Maidenhead based company, Select Graphics. Select's MD Dave Cooper has been very encouraging and enthusiastic in his help and assistance to the Quantum team. Come along to the Nicholsons Shopping Centre from 9 am–4 pm on Saturday to support Quantum and buy a range of their products personalised to your choice. They are in competition with teams from Newlands, Furze Platt and Charters and they want to sell lots of product and win the cup! Come and help them do it!

Important information for parents

Forthcoming PTA Events

Quiz Night On Friday 23 March

Please see the flyer with the printed version of this bulletin.

Diamond Ball On Saturday 12 May — Let the countdown begin!

Invitations and information on how to book this sell–out event will be released on Friday 24 February. So why not organise your table of 12 now as tables will be reserved on a ‘first come, first served basis’.

Car Parking!

On Thursday morning we had traffic wardens outside taking photos — we advise all parents to be aware and ensure they don't park, even for a few moments, on yellow lines!

Colloquium By Email

Please see the back page of the printed version of this Colloquium for important information regarding its future distribution.

Year 6 Take On The Stock Market!

The Stock Market exercise has now finished and at the end of their final week of ‘trading’ the girls’ results (and their tips) are as follows:

Winner of the Stockbroker of the Year Award is Corinne Mankoo.

The Year 6 class made a combined profit of £17,935.22p from their original investment of £210,000.00. This is a significant profit in the current financial market. All the girls finished the exercise in profit! Wow!

Nursery & Transition News (specific news but please read the rest of the Colloquium!)

As part of their topic this term, Nursery children will be learning about pentagons and Transition will talk about boxes.

Dates!

Main School: Week Commencing Monday 6 February 2012

Sat 4 Feb — Scholarship Day At Claires Court

Mon 6 Feb — National Libraries Day — Book Swap Day At The College

Don't forget your books! To celebrate National Libraries Day, there will be a Book Swap in the Junior and Senior Libraries — just bring in a book, in good condition, that you have read and enjoyed but no longer want. Bring the book along to the Junior or Senior Library at lunch time on Monday and exchange it for another. It's that easy! It's completely free and you can swap as many books as you wish. ‘National Libraries Day. Use it. Join it. Love it.’

Tues 7 Feb — Year 6 ‘Learning Through Action’ Greek Day At Ridgeway

Year 6 have been invited to Ridgeway to participate in this activity day based upon life at the time of the Greeks. The girls will leave College at 9am and return by 12.30pm.

Tues 7 Feb — Year 8 Art Trip To The V&A Museum, London

The group will leave College at 9am and return for 4pm. School uniform should be worn and girls will require a packed lunch.

Wed 8 Feb — Year 11 Physics ISA

Girls should remember to take with them a black pen and a calculator.

Wed 8 Feb — Years 7 & 8 Drugs And Alcohol Awareness Talk At Claires Court

Thurs 9 Feb — Year 9 Options Evening

We look forward to our Year 9 parents joining us for this very informative evening — an opportunity for all to visit subject ‘stalls’, manned by the subject teachers.

Fri 10 Feb — Sports Scholarships at The College

Monday 13–Friday 17 February: Half Term

Advance Dates!

Mon 20 Feb — Year 10 College Art Trip To Tate Britain

The girls will take part in a themed workshop entitle ‘My World — Artists and the way they see the world’. This is to support the work they are carrying out on their project on the theme ‘My World’. A letter had been sent home this week with details of the trip; please return the consent slip and payment of £11 by Wednesday 8 February.

16–18 March 2012 Year 10 GCSE Geography Field Trip

A reminder was sent home last week for the balance payment of £95 which was due for return by Friday 13 January. If you have not yet paid, this is now very overdue!

Notes From The Head Teacher

A busy week — probably a complete understatement! On Monday James Wilding and I met with a group of our Junior parents to have a look at the secondary education scene. On Tuesday many of you will have attended the Drugs and Alcohol information evening held at the Senior Boys' School, and on Wednesday we had our Sixth Form and Senior Girls' Open Evening. Open Evenings can be somewhat soulless affairs with groups of parents being led around, visiting quiet classrooms with members of staff who would much rather show you what we do rather than just talk about it — but not at Claires Court, The College. There was a quite incredible buzz as almost all of our current Sixth Form came into guide, explain, converse and enthuse about their Sixth Form. Similarly with Year 7 to 10s who did the same excellent job for all of our Senior Girls' visitors. This buzz came from the most important elements of our School — PEOPLE. Great schools are made up of great people — pupils, students and adults who care passionately about what they do. It is an unbeatable combination and it was evident in every area of our work on Wednesday. So, my grateful thanks to all those members of the Sixth Form, the Senior Girls and the staff for representing us so well.

I should like to remind parents of Year 9 girls of the vitally important start of their GCSE option process, the Option Evening on Thursday 9th February. Parents are asked to register in the Atrium at 6.30pm. There will be a presentation by myself and Mrs Thomas, our Director of Studies, on various aspects of GCSE choice and its impact on each girl's future and then from 7pm you will have an opportunity to meet with members of staff in the Hall to gain an insight into the many GCSE subjects that we offer. The evening will finish at approximately 8.15pm.

In my assembly on Friday I spoke about curiosity, and it is often curiosity that leads us to try new academic subjects, new music, books, countries or experiences. As parents and teachers we are always aware that young people can be tempted to experiment in areas where they may place themselves at risk. As a school we strive, through our PSHCE programme to deal with many of those issues so that the girls are well equipped to make strong judgements and decisions when they are faced with, what are often peer driven, pressures to experiment. To enhance that process, we have invited in some external, knowledgeable presenters to support our work when dealing with the topics of alcohol and drug misuse — Wednesday 8 February for Years 7 and 8 and Thursday 22nd March for Years 9 and 10. It is through knowledge, discussion and debate that we best enable our young people to make judgements and decisions that both protect and empower them. If you would like any further information about these sessions please do not hesitate to contact us. Finally, good luck to all those taking scholarship exams and assessments on Saturday and next Friday.

Paul Bevis

February Half–Term Holiday Club — Monday 13–Friday 17 February

Book immediately for discounted booking rate — and last chance to book a hot lunch (both end today, Friday 3 February). Look online at our ‘Event Calendar’ for highlights and menu. Complete a downloaded Booking Form from our website and email us NOW! Spaces still available at Claires Court Schools Community Activities... book now to join our Open Art Studio, Chess Workshop, Pop Art Masterclass as well as our Fashion and Puppet Craft Masterclasses. Visit www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub for the Booking Forms and terms & conditions. Please email holidayclub@clairescourt.com or call 01628 687440 if you need more information.

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing."

Young Enterprise

Claires Court Year 12s are once again involved in this year's Young Enterprise schools' competition with their team Quantum. The latest event in this year's competition happens this Saturday at the Nicholson's Shopping Centre in Maidenhead where Quantum will be selling their range of personalised mugs, coasters, key rings, mouse mats and canvas prints to as many shoppers as they can. Quantum's MD Chester Camm, supported by the rest of his team, will be on hand to take pictures to be printed on the item of the customer's choice by Maidenhead based company, Select Graphics. Select's MD Dave Cooper has been very encouraging and enthusiastic in his help and assistance to the Quantum team. Come along to the Nicholson's Shopping Centre from 9 am–4 pm on Saturday to support Quantum and buy a range of their products personalised to your choice. They are in competition with teams from Newlands, Furze Platt and Charters and they want to sell lots of product and win the cup! Come and help them do it!

Thank you to all the students for their help on Open Evening for the Sixth Form

The Open Evening on 1st February was well–attended and very successful, not least due to the numerous Sixth Form students who acted as guides and valuable sources of information for prospective pupils and parents. An impressively high proportion of Sixth Formers was present and their contribution was greatly appreciated by all staff.

Comment from Mr Bevis:

"They exemplified the fact that ‘Great Sixth Forms are made from great people’ — students and staff, I thank them all."

Monday 6 February — Years 12 & 13 Geography lectures at Royal Holloway College, Egham

Information about this opportunity to attend lectures has been distributed to appropriate students. Places are limited so they should have returned their paperwork by Friday 3rd February to ensure they are able to join the group. The lecture on 6 February is ‘Living on the coast: Putting people in a highly dynamic environment’ by Dr Peter Finch and that on 5 March is ‘Human Geographies of the Global South’ by Dr Katherine Brickell.

Swimarathon — sponsorship money reminder

A reminder to all participants in the Swimarathon: Following our successful participation in this event it is now time to bring in the sponsorship money that was promised. Please finalise and bring in your money as soon as possible — we don't want to be collecting our prize from the Lions Club without having produced our money! Deliver to the Sixth Form office or to Mrs Burdett.

Playworkers' Course during Half Term

A reminder to all students on this course that you have a First Aid course on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 February in HM4/Chapel. Later in the week most of you have a day in Holiday Club during which you are being assessed. Please make sure these dates are in your diaries.

Monday 6th February — Visual Impairment information session

At Monday lunchtime Jay Lloyd, visual impairment specialist, will hold a session that should be of interest to Sixth Form students (including Sports Leaders). There will be an opportunity for all students to experience visual impairment issues  by wearing simulated spectacles whilst trying to throw and catch a ball and play Jenga. Venue to be announced.

Thursday 9 Feb — A2 Drama Moderation at Norden Farm (6.00 pm)

Staff members, friends and family are invited to watch this performance that the Year 13 Drama students have been perfecting for the moderator . As usual it promises to be an excellent production.

Car parking near the College

Please be aware that traffic wardens do police parking in the area — on Thursday they were present taking photographs, so don't park, even temporarily, on a yellow line or other illegal position.

Friday 23 March — PTA Quiz Night

A flyer accompanies the printed version of this Bulletin. Take on the teachers and see if you can break their winning streak!

Saturday 12 May — Diamond Ball — Have you kept your diary clear for this sparking event?

More news on this popular event will be forthcoming shortly — please look out for full details in future Bulletins — places sell very quickly.

Request for assistance — your chance to be on the Ball Committee, if you can spare some time to help organise this event please contact david.grant@westbourneplace.com

"Difficulties mastered are opportunities won"

Winston Churchill

PAB 03.02.2012

Claires Court boys win Rotary Youth Speaks Zone Final

9 boys from Claires Court took part in the Rotary ‘Youth Speaks’ Zone Final Competition at the Kenton Theatre in Henley on Tuesday with the team of George Saunders, Ben Rodman and Ben Westwood taking the title of Junior Zone Final winners. They spoke about the nature of the oil industry and asked their audience ‘Is the price of oil really too high?’. Their delivery was excellent and they were delighted that despite some fierce competition, they emerged winners. Ben Westwood was singled out for a special merit and awarded the John Luker Cup having been declared the best Vote of Thanks.

In the Intermediate section (11–13 years) Henry Blanksby, Sam MacGregor and Hadley Thomas spoke about the true meaning of Christmas. The field was extremely strong and the boys set down a firm marker for the future with a highly impressive performance.

In the Senior section (14–17 years) Ethan Bates, Harry Gowland and Charlie Perkins spoke about the problems of social networking sites. This was highly entertaining and special credit should be given to this team for being the youngest in the section. Ethan Bates also showed great determination in performing despite having been off sick for the few days before.

The teams all performed well receiving several mentions by name from the judges for their style of delivery and the content of their speeches.

The winning team now goes forward to the District Final on 2 February at Christ Church, Marlow and we wish them all the best.

Office News & Looking Ahead

Scholarship Deadlines

Monday 30 January for the Academic Scholarship. The deadline for Art Portfolios is today. However, any portfolios not yet handed in may be brought into school Monday morning. Timings for all other Scholarships were sent out today.

Thursday 2 February — Ski Trip Information Evening

7.30pm at Claires Court

Thursday 2 February — Rotary ‘Youth Speaks’ District Final

At Christ Church, Marlow at 6.45pm

Saturday 4 February — Academic/Drama/Music Scholarships

Friday 10 February — Sports Scholarships

Open Evening — Wednesday 1 February

Senior Girls' & Co–Ed Sixth Form at College.

1 College Avenue SL6 6AW 6.30–8.30pm.

Tuesday 31 January — Drugs and Alcohol awareness presentation

For all parents at Claires Court. From 7.00pm–8.00pm. Full information has been distributed.

Exam News

Years 10 & 11 March examination re–sit timetables have been posted out today.

• German GCSE Controlled Assessment Writing — Tuesday 7 February, P9+10
• German GCSE Controlled Assessment Speaking — Thursday 9 February, P9+10

A Note from our School Nurse

If your son displays any sign of being unwell whilst at home in the morning we respectfully ask that you do not send him to school, especially in the cases of diarrhoea and sickness — and please leave a clear 48 hours before returning him. Thank you.

Snowphone Cascade

An updated list has been posted out this week for 9C. Please keep this in a safe place and destroy all previous lists. Spare copies are available from the office.

Found ipods

We now have three ipods in the office found property — all found on the school site so they must belong to someone!! Please do come and ask at the office — we would love to get them back to their owner.

Friday 23 March — PTA Quiz Night At College — put the date in your diary!

Take on the teachers!! This is a very popular evening so watch out for further details and a booking form!

February Half–term Holiday Club — Monday 13 to Friday 17 February

We have plenty of activities for our 3–12 year olds this holiday where we are trying to set a new Holiday Club record with our popular ‘record breakers’. Activities include; indoor assault course, build your own fort, introduction to kick boxing, a Street Dance instructor and all the regular events such as artz n craftz, swimming and games. See our ‘Event Calendar’ for activities and daily food menus. Visit www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub for the Booking Form and terms & conditions. Our discounted booking rate ends Friday 3 February as does the chance to book a hot lunch.

We will also be running a number of other activities including an Intensive Swimming course, a Rugby Masterclass and a series of arts and crafts workshops including Pop Art, Warhammer Club and Craft classes where you can make fashion accessories or create a puppet.

Trips

Monday 30 January — Year 9 Gifted and Talented Geography/Biology Trip to Oxford Botanic Gardens

Details have been distributed.

Thursday 2 February — Year 10 Art Trip to Tate Britain

Full information has been distributed and reply slips should be with the office.

Year 11 History Trip to Berlin

Reminder that all passport information should have been handed in by now to allow us to confirm flight details. All other paperwork is due in by Friday 3 February please.

16–18 March 2012 — GCSE Geography Field Trip to Margam Park

Balance payment of £95 is now due.

1–6 April — Rowing Training Camp at Hazewinkel

Information on this exciting trip has been distributed to rowers. Deposit payments are now overdue.

"This week from ‘The Office’ we received a medical/dietary form for a trip which read...
‘He is NOT allergic to vegetables!’ "

JMR 27/1/12

Tuesday 7 February — Year 6 — A Visit From ‘The Greeks’

As part of their History Studies, Year 6 will receive a visit from ‘The Greeks’ at Ridgeway during normal school hours. The Year 6 girls from the College will be joining them.

Tuesday 7 February — Year 1 — A Visit To Natural History Museum

As part of their History syllabus boys will continue their studies on dinosaurs. A consent form will be enclosed with this Bulletin. Please sign and return by Wednesday 1st February. A packed lunch will be required for this trip.

Tours Club Burns' Night Supper ***CANCELLED***

This event has not received the support to run as a viable fundraiser for the Tours Club and so unfortunately we have decided to cancel this year's event. Later this term we are organising a SPORTSMANS DINNER at our Ridgeway site where we will have the opportunity to support sport at Claires Court Schools. The date for this is Saturday 25 February from 7pm. Tickets are £30 and booking forms are available from the school office. Places are selling fast!

Bulletin By Email

The replies for signing up to email distribution are coming in fast. The aim will be to commence this method of distribution after half term so until then your Bulletin will be printed and delivered by ‘boy post’ while we update our database.

The Great Ridgeway Book Swap

Read a great book lately? Looking for another?!! To celebrate National Library Day (4th Feb) and the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens (7th Feb) Ridgeway, The College and Claires Court Schools libraries are holding a Great Book Swap on Monday 6th February. To participate, just bring in a book — in good condition — that you have read and enjoyed but no longer want. Bring the book along to the Library next week: Monday 30th January — Friday 3rd February and receive a ‘Book Swap Token’. This Token can then be swapped for a new book on Book Swap Day. Donate your old books and come and discover a new treasure...who knows what you will find!

Happy Reading everyone
Mrs H Davies

PTA/Society News

Friday 23 March — PTA Quiz Night At College — put the date in your diary!

Take on the teachers!! This is a very popular evening so watch out for further details and a booking form!

Ridgeway Parents' Society 100 Club Winners...

We would like to congratulate the following parents/staff who are our winners:

January:

• 1stJeff Watkins (no.33),
• 2nd Archie Walter (no.12),
• 3rd Lewis Jewell (no.5).

Holiday Club News

A fun time... at February half-term Holiday Club

There will be ‘adventure’ at story–time, ‘fort building’ at challenge–time and ‘jumping beans’ at dance–time! Be sure to join these and our other fun activities this half–term holiday (Mon 13th to Fri 17th Feb). As usual, there will also be plenty of time for artz n craftz, swimming and games... we look forward to seeing you!

Look online at our ‘Event Calendar’ for more highlights of activites and daily food menus. Visit www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub for the Booking Form and terms & conditions… Book now for discounted booking rate and last chance to book a hot lunch (ends Friday 3rd February). If you need any more information please email holidayclub@clairescourt.com or call us on 01628 687440.

Holiday activities at Claires Court Schools gets bigger and even better!

Claires Court Schools is continuing to expand its activities during each of the school holidays. Our Community Activities programme includes an Intensive Swimming course at The College pool, a Rugby Masterclass at Ridgeway and a series of workshops and masterclasses as part of our new Art and Craft Club. Activities at the Art and Craft Club will include a Pop Art Masterclass with our Artist in Residence, Warhammer Club and Craft Masterclasses where you can make your very own fashion accessories or create a puppet.

More information on the Community Activities can be found on our ‘Event Calendar’ online and booking forms at www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub

Construction at Holiday Club

A huge thank you to all the families that have kindly donated construction toys for our developing Construction Room at holiday club. We are more than happy to continue to accept donations of lego, Knex, marble run, cars, trains and track so do please keep directing items to Holiday Club. We would also be delighted to accept donations of Warhammer models and paints. We have a growing membership in our popular Warhammer club and members would be thrilled to provide a much loved home for any unwanted items.

J.C.W. 27.01.12

Sixth Form & Senior Girls' Open Evening — Wednesday 1 February 6.30pm

We look forward to seeing our Year 11 pupils and their parents; an invitation letter has been sent home with full details. Tours will be available from 6.30pm and there will be a presentation to all at 8pm, followed at 8.20pm by refreshments and the opportunity to speak to Mr Bevis, Mr Giles, Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Rogers, Assistant Head of Sixth Form and subject teachers. Please note that all our senior girls are very welcome to attend.

We also look forward to welcoming our Junior Prep families, from Years 3 to 6, who would like to view the Senior Department on this informal and informative evening. Please arrive at 6.30pm; tours of the Senior Department will be available (there will be displays and entertainment) and refreshments will be available from 7.20pm in the Dining Room where Mr Bevis and other subject staff will be on hand to meet and chat. No need to book — just turn up!

Sailing Club News!

Four Senior girls have been selected to represent Claires Court Schools in a team racing competition in March at Farmoor Reservoir in Oxford. We wish the following girls good luck: Lauren Hancock, Katie Dorrat, Rachel Platt and Leander Harlow.

Important information for parents

Colloquium By Email

Please see the back page of this Colloquium for important information regarding its future distribution.

Peripatetic Music Lessons

Could parents please ensure that they are prompt with their payments to the ‘peris’, sending a cheque by their requested date.

Advanced Notice — Y11 GCSE PE Controlled Assessment

Year 11 GCSE PE students are currently carrying out their 6 week personal exercise programme, which they will analyse and write up as part of the analysis of performance mark towards their final GCSE grade. They will carry out their post training test in their first theory lesson after half term (option group B Monday 20 Feb periods 3 & 4 and option group C on Tuesday 21 Feb periods 3 & 4) and will then carry out their write up session in their practical lesson (option group B Friday 24 Feb and option group C Wednesday 22 Feb). All girls must be available for these sessions. Please see Miss Fuller asap if you foresee any problems.

Save The Dates — PTA Forthcoming Event — Quiz Night On Friday 23 March

Take on the teachers!! This is a very popular evening so watch out for further details and a booking form!

Construction At Holiday Club

A huge thank you all the families who have kindly donated construction toys for our developing Construction Room at Holiday Club. We are more than happy to continue to accept donations of Lego, Knex, Marble Run, cars, trains and track so do please keep directing these items to us. We would also be delighted to accept donations of Warhammer models and paints. We have a growing membership in our popular Warhammer Club and members would be thrilled to provide a much loved home for any unwanted items.

Message From The College Libraries...

National Libraries Day 2012: Book Swap at the College

Bring out your books! The Book Swap is coming!!

To celebrate National Libraries Day, all the Claires Court Libraries will be holding a Book Swap on Monday 6 February.

"We see National Libraries Day as a positive day of celebration to promote the whole culture of reading for pleasure, information and engagement, whether you read your traditional books or on your laptop or e–reader. It is time to make reading a universal culture. We want people to go to their local school or public library and use their School Library Service. Use it. Join it. Love it."

To participate in the Book Swap, just bring in a book — in good condition — that you have read and enjoyed but no longer want. Bring the book along to the Junior or Senior Library at lunch time on the Book Swap Day and exchange it for another. It's that simple! It's also completely free and you can swap as many books as you wish. Donate your old books and come and discover a new treasure...who knows what you will find!

Year 6 Take On The Stock Market!

At the end of their third week of ‘trading’ the girls' results (and their tips) are as follows:

Wow to all three girls! What excellent profits from three weeks of trading. The total profit for Year 6 after three weeks trading is £14,754.87. The girls would like to remind all future investors that ‘Share prices can go down as well as up’.

Nursery & Transition News (specific news but please read the rest of the Colloquium!)

As part of their topic this term, Nursery children will be learning about ‘squares’ and Transition will talk about ‘tubes’.

Parents are reminded about the vital importance of bolting the Nursery Gate both when arriving and leaving. It may take a couple of seconds to bolt the door but it only takes a couple of seconds for a small child to ‘bolt’ as well!

Dates!

Main School — Week Commencing Monday 30 January 2012
The Set Hot Lunch will be Week 2 of the Lent Term menu.

Mon 30 Jan — Senior Schools Presentation Evening For Parents Of Pre And Junior Prep

Please note that, to facilitate working parents, the time of this meeting has been changed to 7pm, with refreshments from 6.30pm. The meeting with Mr James Wilding and Mr Paul Bevis offers parents the opportunity to receive information about transfer to secondary schools (both Claires Court Schools and elsewhere). A letter was sent home to all parents with more information and a request to return a reply slip.

Tues 31 Jan — Parental Drugs And Alcohol Awareness Talk At Claires Court 7pm

The talk takes place in the Claires Court Boys Sports Hall, Ray Mil Road East, SL6 8TE, with refreshments from 6.30pm. The topics covered are of concern to all parents and we do recommend that you attend if you can.

Thurs 2 Feb — Year 5 To Reading Museum

A visit has been arranged to the Victorian classroom at Reading Museum. During the visit the children will discover what life in a Victorian classroom was like and they will wear Victorian costume (provided by the Museum). There will also be an opportunity to visit the Museum and where they will learn more about life in Victorian times. The children will leave School at 9.00 am and arrive back at 3.30pm. Girls will need a packed lunch which will be eaten at the Museum. There is a small shop where they may buy postcards, etc. if parents would like to send a little pocket money. The reply slip was due to be returned by today, Friday 27 January.

Thurs 2 Feb — Ski Trip 2012 Information Evening

The meeting will take place at Claires Court in Ray Mill Road East, SL6 8TE, at 7.30pm and is for those families participating in our trip to Les Menuires in April. Full details were sent home in December and parents were requested to return the reply slip indicating the number of seats required.

Sat 4 Feb — Scholarship Day

Scholarship information has been posted home today.

Mon 6 Feb — National Libraries Day — Book Swap

Tues 7 Feb — Year 6 ‘Learning Through Action’ Greek Day at Ridgeway

As part of their History Studies, Year 6 will receive a visit from ‘The Greeks’ at Ridgeway during normal School hours. A letter will be sent home next week with details and a consent slip for your daughter to travel to Ridgeway.

Tues 7 Feb — Year 8 Art Trip To The V&A Museum, London

The girls will make observational studies of patterns in the V&A collection and attend talks on patterns, materials, techniques and stories from different periods and cultures. A letter has been sent home with all details and parents were requested to return the consent slip by today, Friday 27 January.

Wed 8 Feb — Year 11 Physics ISA

Girls should remember to take with them a black pen and a calculator.

Notes From the Head Teacher

My week will always include the chance to see and reflect upon the great work and effort that our youngsters put into their work and life within the College. This week I have had the privilege to read and comment upon the Year 11 girls reports and to talk to and congratulate many Year 12s and their parents at the Parents Evening held on Tuesday. There is no doubt from the reports that our senior girls fully appreciate that they will achieve what they work for and that there are no short cuts. Year 12s, if they were ever in doubt, are now fully appraised of the standard they need to achieve and how important the work they are doing now is in terms of their onward progression to high quality universities, degree courses, or to top class firms that offer well regarded employment based training and development. All highly successful organisations, sports teams and businesses know that unless you constantly strive for improvement, and review all that you do, you will soon be on the downward slope. We know this and we believe it is important to involve all of our youngsters in the process.

During the week, Claire Charlesworth and Molly Ross, Head Girl and Deputy Head Girl respectively, came to me to discuss and present the views of the School Council. We ranged over many matters from School uniform, to improvements to after School study sessions, lights for the netball courts, hot drinks provision, Year 11 study leave and improvements to cloakrooms. I was able to quash a number of rumours and to reassure the Council leaders that on many matters the pupils would be involved in discussion and debate. My Senior Leadership Team and I are already in discussion over cloakrooms and I will take up the matter of hot drinks with the Catering Manager and study provision with Mrs Gristwood. The Council asked for a clearer definition of the guidelines about hair and hair style. I have asked them to go and consult and produce those guidelines for me. I am aware that Year 11s and parents would like to know the arrangements re Study Leave in the summer term and I will have the information for you very soon. I would just like to say that I believe it should be a fine grained plan for each girl, varying in relation to exam timetable and density of exams, ability to manage self directed study and subject based need for support from staff. I do not believe in the two extremes — all depart on a set date never to be seen in a classroom again, or corralling them all into lessons with no opportunity to individually plan what is best for them. More details to follow.

On Monday we are looking forward to meeting our Junior parents (Year 1–6) at our Secondary Education Information Evening. James Wilding and I hope this will be an informative and discursive evening — starting with refreshments at 6.30pm. On Wednesday we host our Sixth Form and Senior Girls Open Evening. From the Sixth Form perspective you will get a chance to speak to teaching staff about courses and subjects and to hear about how we enable those who join our Sixth Form to stand out, to be noticed, and to feel confident they will succeed in what is becoming an increasingly competitive post 18 environment.

Finally, our first video diary reporters have been out and about this week — I have yet to see either the ‘rushes’ or the polished finished article — but we will get it up on the web as soon as possible. Have a lovely weekend.

Paul Bevis

Advance Dates!

Year 11 History Trip To Berlin

A reminder that all passport information should have been handed in by now to allow us to confirm flight details. All other paperwork is due in by next Friday 3 February, please.

16–18 March 2012 GCSE Geography Field Trip

A reminder was sent home last week for the balance payment of £95 which was due for return by Friday 13 January.

February Half–Term Holiday Club Monday 13 to Friday 17 February

Last week for discounted booking rate at February half–term Holiday Club… and last chance to book a hot lunch (ends Friday 3 February). Look online at our ‘Event Calendar’ for highlights and menu. Holiday activities at Claires Court Schools gets bigger and even better... spaces are still available on our Community Activities, so book now — we have various Arts, Crafts and specialised workshops on offer.

Please visit www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub for the Booking Form and terms & conditions for both of these opportunities. Email holidayclub@clairescourt.com or call 01628 687440 if you need more information.

"The older we get, the older old is"

27.1.12

Open Evening for the Sixth Form (and Senior Girls)

This will be on Wednesday 1st February from 6.30–8.30pm. Parents of prospective Sixth Form members are invited to attend with their children for a tour of the facilities and a chat with Mr Giles, Mrs Rogers and other Sixth Form teaching staff. Tours of the Sixth Form will end at 8pm for a presentation in the hall.

Sixth Form students have a major role to play on this evening. Each student has been given a duty to perform on the evening by Mr Giles or Mrs Rogers, so if there is a valid and important reason why your son or daughter cannot attend please contact Mr Giles immediately.

Well done

Well done to the Claires Court boys who won the Rotary ‘Youth Speaks’ Zone Final earlier in the week. The team of George Saunders, Ben Rodman and Ben Westwood won against fierce competition with their presentation on the nature of the oil industry and asked their audience ‘Is the price of oil really too high?’ They go forward to the District Final on 2 February.

A message from Mrs Rogers — Head of Year 12 — Parents' Evening

It was a pleasure to meet with many of you at Parents' Evening on 24 Tuesday. The positive outcomes which always arise from consultation between students, staff and parents are greatly valued. Many thanks for your on–going support!

Monday 6 February — Years 12 & 13 Geography lectures at Royal Holloway College, Egham

Information about this opportunity to attend lectures has been distributed to appropriate students. Places are limited so they are asked to return their paperwork by next Friday to ensure they are able to join the group. The lecture on 6 February is ‘Living on the coast: Putting people a highly dynamic environment’ by Dr Peter Finch and that on 5 March is ‘Human Geographies of the Global South’ by Dr Katherine Brickell.

Playworkers' Course during Half Term

A reminder to all students on this course that you have a First Aid course on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 February in HM4/Chapel. Later in the week most of you have a day in Holiday Club during which you are being assessed. Please make sure these dates are in your diaries.

Friday 23 March — PTA Quiz Night — put the date in your diary!

Take on the teachers!! This is a very popular evening so watch out for further details and a booking form!

Saturday 12 May — Diamond Ball — Have you kept your diary clear for this sparking event?

More news on this popular event will be forthcoming shortly — please look out for full details in future Bulletins — places sell very quickly.

Request for assistance — your chance to be on the Ball Committee, if you can spare some time to help organise this event please contact david.grant@westbourneplace.com

GCSE Mathematics resit examinations in March 2012

Students taking these exams will find the timetable enclosed in this mailing. Please note these examinations will be held at the Ray Mill Rd site in the Sports Hall.

"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference."

Winston Churchill

PAB 27.01.2012

Office News & Looking Ahead

Scholarship Deadlines

Monday 23 January is the latest we are able to receive your Supporting Scholarship applications and Monday 30 January for the Academic Scholarship. Art information has been sent out and the deadline for Art Portfolio's to be with us is Friday 27 January. Timings for all Scholarships will be sent out next week.

Thursday 26 January — Year 10 Parents Evening

Information has been sent home.

Thursday 2 February — Year 10 Art Trip — Tate Britain

Full details to follow

Thursday 2 February — Ski Trip Information Evening

7.30pm at Claires Court.

Saturday 4 February — Academic/Drama/Music Scholarships

Friday 10 February — Sports Scholarships

Tuesday 31 January — Drugs and Alcohol awareness presentation

For all parents at Claires Court. From 7.00pm–8.00pm full information has been distributed.

Sickness Letters

Upon returning to school after time off for being unwell — please ensure that you write a note to explain your sons' absence to the Form Tutor.

Labels

Please could you ensure that all items of clothing are clearly labelled — this really helps to re–unite it with its owner when lost.

Welcome Back

Welcome Back to Mrs Nerys Jones — Head of Geography — who has been on maternity leave.

Open Morning (for Prospective pupils) at Claires Court Schools

Thursday 26 January from 9.30am–12.00 noon (11.30am Nursery) At all three sites.

Open Evening — Wednesday 1 February

Senior Girls' & Co–Ed Sixth Form at College — 1 College Avenue SL6 6AW 6.30–8.30pm

Rugby Team Photographs

These photographs have arrived and are on display in Reception. Order forms are available from the office — deadline for orders to the Office by Monday 23 January. Thank you.

Found Items

We currently have in our found box 3 ipods and 2 mobile phones — If by chance you have mislaid/lost these — Mrs Adams on Reception will be able to help you.

PTA News — Save the date — Diamond Ball on Saturday 12 May

Will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Marlow — More news on this popular event will be forthcoming shortly — please look out for full details in future Bulletins.

Request for assistance

Your chance to be on the Ball Committee, if you can spare some time to help organise this event please contact david.grant@westbourneplace.com

February Half–term Holiday Club — Monday 13 to Friday 17 February

We have plenty of activities for our 3 to 12 year olds this holiday where we are trying to set a new Holiday Club record with our popular ‘record breakers’.

Activities include:

• indoor assault course,
• build your own fort,
• introduction to kick boxing,
• a Street Dance instructor
• and all the regular events such as artz n craftz, swimming and games...

See our ‘Event Calendar’ for activities and daily food menus. Visit www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub for the Booking Form and terms & conditions. Our discounted booking rate ends Friday 3 February as does the chance to book a hot lunch.

We will also be running a number of other activities including an Intensive Swimming course, a Rugby Masterclass and a series of arts and crafts workshops including Pop Art, Warhammer Club and Craft classes where you can make fashion accessories or create a puppet.

Post Christmas Clear out!

If, during this post Christmas period you are having a good old clear out we would be delighted to receive specific items ie Lego, Brio and Knex for our Holiday Club construction room. Please do email us if you think you have a different item suitable for the Holiday club. Thank you! If you need any more information please email holidayclub@clairescourt.com or call us on 01628 687440.

Trips

Monday 30 January — Year 9 Gifted and Talented Geography/Biology Trip to Oxford Botanic Gardens

Details have been distributed.

Year 11 History Trip to Berlin

Final travel information was posted home yesterday. Passport information is now overdue, we need this to allow confirmation of flights. Rules, medical dietary forms and currency requests should be returned to School by Friday 3 February please.

16–18 March 2012 — GCSE Geography Field Trip to Margam Park

Balance payment of £95 is now due. A reminder note has been sent home.

1–6 April — Rowing Training Camp at Hazewinkel

Information on this exciting trip has been distributed to rowers. Deposit payments are due in by Friday 27 January.

100 Club – Tours Club Membership

Many of you will now have received your 2011/12 Tours Club Membership forms and are no doubt drumming up support from friends and relatives. Please return the forms at your earliest convenience to Mrs Adams on Reception. The Year 11 Football tour to East Anglia in February is in full swing and I know the North Devon U13 Cricket tour will again run in the summer. There will also be a major Senior Rugby tour to the USA in 2013. The Tours Club is your chance to help us finance and kit out these tours. Please do send in your membership forms. If for any reason you did not receive a copy then please feel free to pick one up from Reception. Thank you.

Burns' Night Supper

Unfortunately, due to low numbers supporting this event, it will not be going ahead.

"Knowledge talks, wisdom listens."

Jimi Hendrix

JMR 20/1/12

Other successful events this week include the start of ‘Bird Watch’, which several classes are getting involved in, and the visiting Planetarium which fascinated Years 1 and 5 as part of their Science studies. Again, the boys involved in this were well behaved, asked sensible questions and seemed totally ‘wrapped up’ in the experience. The gentleman who runs this always enjoys visiting Ridgeway — because of the interest, enthusiasm and manners of the boys.

Christmas Collection

A big thank you for your generosity following the Junior and Pre–Prep retiring collections after church in December. The total collected was £610.12 which will be split equally between Leukaemia Trust and Thames Hospice Care.

RSPB Annual Birdwatch

Ridgeway boys are participating in the RSPB Annual Birdwatch this week and next week. Several classes have made their observations. Year 5 have been busy making sketches of our local birdlife. Year 4 have put out food and water where the birds can enjoy them.. Year 3 are making fact files on their chosen bird. More classes should be taking part next week. Details of the Big Garden Birdwatch taking place on 28–29 January can be found on the RSPB website.

Secondary Education Information Meeting — Monday 23 January

This meeting is taking place in the Mezzanine at Ridgeway and is from 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Refreshments will be available.

Claires Court Senior School Scholarships

If your son is applying for a Scholarship to Claires Court please be aware of the dates listed below.

• Monday 23 Jan Closing date for Supporting Scholarships
• Friday 27 Jan Art portfolios due in
• Monday 30 Jan Closing date for Academic Scholarships
• Saturday 4 Feb Scholarships for Academic, Music and Drama
• Friday 10 Feb Sport Scholarships

All paperwork with regards to the Art Scholarship has been sent home — all other paperwork will be sent out next week.

‘Ridgeway's Got Talent’ — Thursday 9 February

Auditions for ‘Ridgeway's Got Talent’ will commence the week beginning 30 January for boys in Yrs 4, 5 and 6. The forms to sign up to take part are on the Music notice board so sign up now! Auditions will take place at lunchtimes. The final Performance will be on Thursday 9 February during the afternoon and special guests have been invited to judge and compare the event.

Bulletin By Email

We are endeavouring to email the Bulletin every Friday in an effort to ‘save the trees’ and use less paper. Please see the attached form at the end of the Bulletin to register your interest.

For Prospective Pupils: Open Mornings In Claires Court Schools

Thursday 26 January, Wednesday 22 February and Tuesday 20 March — open mornings

• 9.30–12.00 — Ridgeway, Claires Court, The College & Sixth Form
• 9.30 to 11.30 — Nursery

No appointment necessary, just drop in...

Ridgeway Nearly New Uniform Sale

Please look out any nearly new uniform that your son or sons no longer fit into. Any items would be much appreciated to go into the sale which is coming up on Friday 10 February from 3pm–4.15pm in the Mezzanine. If you should find some unwanted items of uniform please deliver them to the school office. Thank you.

Library News

As you are aware the Puffin Book Club publishes a book leaflet for different age groups on a half-termly basis. There is no pressure to buy from the club, but many parents have enjoyed the opportunity of encouraging their sons to develop their reading habits! Should you wish to place an order, please return the order form by Friday 27 February.

Lost Property

Kishan Clare's small black LCD watch by Kalenji has been mislaid.

Alex Walker has mislaid his football boots after an extensive search

If anyone finds either of these items please return them to the office.

Society News

Ridgeway Parents' Society 100 Club Winners...

We would like to congratulate the following parents who are our winners:

• September
  • 1st Aaron Mussell (no.30),
  • 2nd Louis Banks (no.29),
  • 3rd Ben Allanson (no.18).
• October
  • 1st Henry Munn (no.24),
  • 2nd Nikolai Hinterreither (no.9),
  • 3rd Nathan Foy (no.13).
• November
  • 1st Nathan Foy (no.13),
  • 2nd Alistair Kenton (no.10),
  • 3rd Louis Banks (no.29).
• December
  • 1stBen Allanson (no.18),
  • 2nd Ryan Tovar (no.17),
  • 3rd Sam Mead (no.27).

J.C.W. 20.01.12

Important Information For Parents Of Senior Girls

Wednesday 1 Feb — Senior Girls' And Co–Ed Sixth Form Open Evening 6.30pm–8.00pm

For this important event, all our Year 10 students act as tour guides/stewards. If your daughter is unable to attend please write a note to Mrs Heywood. Some Year 7–9 students will also be asked by subject specific staff to be subject stewards from 6.30pm–8.00pm. During this time the students will be showing prospective new pupils and their parents around the subject areas.

Please could parents sign and return the reply slip at the end of this Colloquium to Mrs Heywood by next Wednesday, 25 January, to give permission for their daughter to attend the evening and help the staff.

PLEASE NOTE: all girls helping on the evening will be required to stay on the School premises between the end of their Activity/Study and the start of the event. Girls will not be allowed off-site. School will supply supervision and a buffet tea.

Important information for parents

Save The Date — Diamond Ball On Saturday 12 May!

Will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Marlow — More news on this popular event will be forthcoming shortly — please look out for full details in future Colloquium. Request for assistance — your chance to be on the Ball Committee, if you can spare some time to help organise this event please contact david.grant@westbourneplace.com

Year 10 History Controlled Assessments

Please note the following dates when Year 10 historians will be sitting GCSE Controlled Assessments which form 25% of their total GCSE:

• Task 1: Periods 3 and 4 Wednesday 1 February
• Task 2: Periods 3 and 4 Wednesday 14 March
• Task 3: Periods 3 and 4 Wednesday 21 March

Riders Wanted!

We are trying to start up the Claires Court Riding Club again and so are inviting keen horsewomen to make themselves known to the organisers! The Club is open to all ages and girls just need to be confident to ride a 2.6ft course. Some classes may be bigger depending on the competition. If you are interested please email Mrs Bridget Allerton (a current Sixth Form parent) on tonyallerton45@btinternet.com.

Year 6 Take On The Stock Market!

At the end of their second week of ‘trading’ the girls' results (and their tips) are as follows:

The girls would like to remind all future investors that ‘Share prices can go down as well as up’.

Nursery & Transition News (specific news but please read the rest of the Colloquium!)

As part of their topic this term, Nursery children will be learning about triangles and Transition will talk about ‘holes’.

Dates!

Main School: Week Commencing Monday 23 January 2012
The Set Hot Lunch will be Week 1 of the Lent Term menu.

Wed 25 Jan — Year 11 Art Trip To Tate Modern

There are still some replies outstanding which must be returned on Monday, please! The group will leave College at 9am and return by approximately 3.30pm. Girls should be in uniform, looking smart, and take a packed lunch, sketchbook, dry drawing materials, a camera and a small amount of money to purchase postcards.

Thurs 26 Jan — Open Morning On All Three Sites

From 9.30am–12.00pm (to 11.30am for the Nursery). We welcome prospective parents and also our existing parents who might be considering the next step e.g. Nursery to College. There is no need to book, just turn up! You will be shown around the division of your choice by some of our girls and have the opportunity to meet Mr Bevis and other senior members of staff.

Fri 27 Jan — Cake Sale In Aid Of College ‘Senior Sports’ Tours Club — Don't forget!!

The P.E. Department is organising a cake sale for break–time — girls might like to bring a little pocket money with them!

Mon 30 Jan — Senior Schools Presentation Evening For Parents of Pre and Junior Prep

The meeting with Mr James Wilding and Mr Paul Bevis will be held from 4.30pm–6pm and offers parents the opportunity to receive information about transfer to secondary schools (both Claires Court and elsewhere). It will be finished in time for parents to collect their daughter from her after school activity or after school care. Refreshments will be served. There will be a later session the same day for parents unable to attend at 4.30pm. A letter has also been sent home today to all parents.

Tues 31 Jan — Parental Drugs And Alcohol Awareness Talk 7pm at Claires Court

A letter has been sent home to parents of senior girls inviting them to attend this talk in the Claires Court Senior Boys Sports Hall by Theresa Allen of ‘Turning Point’, a leading health and social care organisation. The talk will run from 7pm to 8pm and refreshments will be served from 6.30pm. Please reply to Mrs Hawker (Years 7, 8 and 9) or Mrs Heywood (Years 10 and 11) on the tear off slip. The topics covered are of concern to all parents and we do recommend that you attend if you can.

Wed 1 Feb — Sixth Form & Senior Girls Open Evening 6.30pm

We look forward to seeing our Year 11 pupils and their parents who will be receiving a letter inviting them to view our co–educational Sixth Form. All our senior girls are very welcome to attend.

We also look forward to welcoming our Junior Prep families, from Years 3 to 6, who would like to view the Senior Department on this informal and informative evening. There will be displays, entertainment and subject staff will be on hand to meet and chat. No need to book — just turn up!

Advance Dates!

February Half–Term Holiday Club Monday 13–Friday 17 February

Join us this half-term holiday where we have plenty of activities for our 3 to 12 year olds... Join us and try to set a new Holiday Club record with our popular ‘record breakers’, tackle our indoor assault course or build your own fantastic fort. An introduction to kick boxing is sure to be stimulating and you can keep fit with our Street Dance instructor. As usual, don't forget our ever popular choice of daily ‘Artz 'n Craftz’, swimming and games... we look forward to seeing you! Check online for our ‘Event Calendar’ to see highlights of our activities and daily food menus. Visit www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub for the Booking Form and terms & conditions. Our discounted booking rate ends Friday 3 February and so does the chance to book a hot lunch — places are also limited, so don't forget to secure them early! If you need any more information please email holidayclub@clairescourt.com or call us on 01628 687440.

Year 11 History Trip To Berlin

Final travel information goes home with this Colloquium. Passport information is required by Friday 20 January, please, to allow confirmation of flights. Rules, medical dietary forms and currency requests should be returned to School by Friday 3 February please.

16–18 March 2012 GCSE Geography Field Trip

A reminder was sent home last week for the balance payment of £95 which was due for return by Friday 13 January.

Notes From The Head Teacher

It's 09.00 and my editor is pressing me for my copy!

So first of all, it was great to hear so many encouraging comments at the Year 8 girls' Parents' Evening on Thursday — well done to the girls who are obviously working well and making admirable progress. Your feedback to me was very positive and also helpful — as you know we have a philosophy of continuous improvement and the thoughts of our parents are a vital part of that process. If you did not get a chance to chat to me and you have suggestions or comments, I am always delighted to hear them from you — through any channel of communication you prefer.

Talking about communication I am absolutely delighted with the outcome of the PTA meeting on Tuesday where various items of support were agreed. Unfortunately, I could not attend as I was at the Maltman's Green Senior Schools' Evening with Mrs Hawker, where we were delighted to talk to a very large number of families. Top of my list was the request to help us improve our audio–visual facilities in both the Main Hall and the Chapel and with the very generous support of the PTA we will be able to do so much more in those two areas, and with a much higher quality — girls and parents will no longer be peering at dim images on an inadequate screen. It will also save the girls from hearing their Headteacher vent his frustration that his well–crafted assemblies founder on the rocks of outdated technology. In addition, I know that Mrs Sheena Wilding is delighted with the support for a covered sandpit and the wooden raised flower beds for our flourishing Nursery (we are full!). Looking to the future, the PTA has also allocated outline funding to support the provision of two days of music from the Store Van Music group — but more of this later.

Leading on from my Friday Assembly on European Human Right Convention, the role of investigative journalism and issues of public and personal privacy, I have challenged the girls to be the first part of the School to produce a weekly video blog of life in the Senior Girls' School (Juniors to follow — watch this space). Working with Mrs Debbie Snow, (our Head of A Level Media), they will be taught the elements of video journalism and how to edit and prepare a video news magazine (video blog to the digital natives). This will begin with an initial meeting on Monday 23 at 1.40pm — please encourage any budding journalists and video authors and editors to attend.

The Heads of Houses are now on the hunt for chess players — our inter–house chess competition will be held in a few weeks' time — and don't forget that Chess Club with our own Chess Pro, Mr Tobisch, is on Tuesday lunchtimes.

Finally we are holding two important evenings in the near future. The Sixth Form Open Evening is an in–depth opportunity to gain an insight into the provision and qualities of our highly successful Sixth Form. Year 11s will be bringing a letter home. Secondly, on the 30 January, we are inviting all of our Junior and Pre–Prep parents, Years 5 and below, to a meeting with myself and Mr James Wilding so that we can help you in early thoughts or support for that thorny question of Secondary education — we will give you an overview of the local and national scene as well as the opportunities afford by Claires Court Senior Girls. Again, more information arriving by letter.

So done — deadline met!

Paul Bevis

"For all the advances in medicine,
there is still no cure for the common birthday"

20.1.12

Parents' Evenings

We would like to remind parents of the Parents' Evenings for this term:

Year 12 on 24 January at 6:30pm and Year 13 on 12 March.

Year 12 parents should have replied to their invitations by now but if you have not, please could you do so immediately by email to flm@clairescourt.com.

Open Evening for the Sixth Form (and Senior Girls)

This will be on Wednesday 1st February from 6.30–8.30pm. Parents of prospective Sixth Form members are invited to attend with their children for a tour of the facilities and a chat with Mr Giles, Mrs Rogers and other Sixth Form teaching staff. Sixth Form students will have a major role to play on this evening so need to ensuer that they will be available.

January GCE Module Examinations

These exams began Wednesday, 11 January 2012.

All exams will be conducted on The College site and students should aim to be outside the designated room by 9.00am for a morning exam and 1.45pm for an afternoon exam. There is no study leave for January modules, but if students have an afternoon exam and wish to revise at home in the morning this will be authorised.

Wednesday 25 January — Drama Workshop for Years 12 & 13

Information is going home with this Bulletin to our Drama Students. This workshop is run by Shared Experience who have been instrumental in pioneering a distinctive performance style that celebrates the union of physical and text-based theatre. They are committed to creating theatre that goes beyond our everyday existence, giving form to the hidden world of the psyche/emotion and imagination. This ties in very well with our students’ current studies. Reply slips and payments are requested by Tuesday please.

Thursday 26 January — Open Morning On All Three Sites

From 9.30am–12.00pm (to 11.30am for the Nursery). We welcome prospective parents and also our existing parents who might be considering the next step e.g. Nursery to College. There is no need to book, just turn up! You will be shown around the division of your choice by some of our girls and have the opportunity to meet Mr Bevis and other senior members of staff.

PTA News — Save the date — Diamond Ball on Saturday 12 May

Will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Marlow — More news on this popular event will be forthcoming shortly — please look out for full details in future Bulletins. Request for assistance — your chance to be on the Ball Committee, if you can spare some time to help organise this event please contact david.grant@westbourneplace.com

Burns' Night Supper

Unfortunately, due to low numbers supporting this event, it will not be going ahead.

"Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is."

Vince Lombardi

PAB 20.01.2012

Happy New Year

I would like to express New Year greetings to all parents and pupils and hope that 2012 will be a prosperous and successful year.

Music Exam Successes

Congratulations go to:

• James Roach (Year 8) who passed Grade 1 Classical Guitar,
• Hugh Ratcliff (Year 9) who passed Grade 4 Classical Guitar and
• Tom Torley (Year 10) who passed Grade 8 Euphonium.

All passed with Merit.

Well done to all of them and their teachers.

Sixth Form Swim Into The New Year!

Claires Court Sixth Form students were delighted to hear that they had been awarded the ‘President's Cup’ on Saturday at the Lions Club of Maidenhead Swimathon at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead. The team, complete with Olympic torch and rings was the one the Club felt best entered into the spirit of the day. The cup will be presented in April and it was encouraging to hear that it is not awarded to the fastest swimmers or those with the most sponsorship, but to the team which encapsulated the true spirit of the event.

Almost one hour and thousands of metres later, the klaxon sounded and the race was over. With a team total of 55 laps the swimmers could relax and enjoy the knowledge that the sponsorship money they have raised will be evenly shared between the Claires Court 'Three for Three' charities and the local and national causes supported by the Lions Club. The eight Sixth Formers can be very proud of their contribution to our local community. Well done!

Christmas Extreme Reading Competition

The Prize is a new Jazz Still and Movie Camera.

All you need to do is:

1. Take A Picture (an example of one on the left here) label it with the name of the Book and its Author.
2. Load the picture up to (your initials)@clairescourt.net account.
3. Share it with jtw@clairescourt.net.

Extreme Reading 2011. Closing date is Monday 16 January.

SnowPhone Cascade — 7A and 7B

Updated contact lists have been posted out for classes 7A and 7B this week. They are clearly marked as ‘updated 12/1/12’. Please do check this sheet arrives safely and destroy any previous list. Thank you.

Office News & Looking Ahead

• Tuesday 17 January — Year 8 Parents Evening from 6.30pm
• Wednesday 18 January — Year 10 GCSE Chemistry Exam
• Friday 20 January — Year 10 GCSE Physics Exam
• Monday 23 January — Deadline for Scholarship applications
• Thursday 26 January — Open Morning 9.30am–12.00pm

Rugby Team Photographs

These photographs have arrived and are on display in Reception. Order forms are available from the office — deadline for orders to the Office by Monday 23 January. Thank you.

Lost Tracksuit Bottoms

Could everyone check they have the correct track suit bottoms — we are searching for a pair belonging to Todd Lindley in Year 7, went missing last term. Please hand in to office if you find them.

Exam News

Results from the November modules for years 10 and resit 11 are being posted home today.

Tuesday 31 January — Drugs and Alcohol Awareness

A presentation for all parents at Claires Court. From 7.00pm–8.00pm. Full information will be available early next week.

Who is in need of some deep relaxation?

If in the New Year you feel in need of a calming influence, look at www.letitbeyoga.co.uk where you will find details of deep relaxation sessions which operate in the College chapel on selected Friday evenings.

PTA News — Save the date — Diamond Ball on Saturday 12 May

This will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Marlow — More news on this popular event will be forthcoming shortly — please look out for full details in future Bulletins.

Request for assistance — your chance to be on the Ball Committee, if you can spare some time to help organise this event please contact david.grant@westbourneplace.com

February Half-term Holiday Club — Monday 13 to Friday 17 February

We have plenty of activities for our 3 to 12 year olds this holiday where we are trying to set a new Holiday Club record with our popular ‘record breakers’. Activities include our indoor assault course, building your own fort, an introduction to kick boxing, a Street Dance instructor and don't forget our ever popular daily artz n craftz, swimming and games... See our ‘Event Calendar’ for activities and daily food menus. Visit www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub for the Booking Form and terms & conditions. Our discounted booking rate ends Friday 3 February as does the chance to book a hot lunch. Places are also limited, so secure them early!

As well as the Holiday Club during February half–term we will also be running a number of other activities including an Intensive Swimming course, a Rugby Masterclass and a series of arts and crafts workshops including Pop Art, Warhammer Club and Craft classes where you can make fashion accessories or create a puppet.

Post Christmas Clear out!

If, during this post Christmas period you are having a good old clear out we would be delighted to receive specific items ie Lego, Brio and Knex for our Holiday Club construction room. Please do email us if you think you have a different item suitable for the Holiday club. Thank you! If you need any more information please email holidayclub@clairescourt.com or call us on 01628 687440.

Trips

Tuesday 17 January — Year 11 Art CC to Tate Modern

Full information has been posted home.

Thursday 19 January — Year 8 group to the film ‘War Horse’ at Maidenhead Odeon

Full information has been distributed.

Monday 30 January — Year 9 Gifted and Talented Geography/Biology Trip to Oxford Botanic Gardens

Details have been distributed.

Year 11 History Trip to Berlin

Flight details on this trip will shortly be circulated and passport information will be required. A place has become available so if a Year 11 Historian would like to join the group, please ask at your School Office for full details. This trip really does bring the classroom work to life and is also great fun!

16–18 March 2012 — GCSE Geography Field Trip to Margam Park

Balance payment of £95 is due in. A reminder note has been sent home.

1–6 April — Rowing Training Camp at Hazewinkel

Information on this exciting trip has been distributed to rowers. Deposit payments are due in by Friday 27 January.

100 Club — Tours Club Membership

Many of you will now have received your 2011/12 Tours Club Membership forms and are no doubt drumming up support from friends and relatives. Please return the forms at your earliest convenience to Mrs Adams on Reception.

The Year 11 Football tour to East Anglia in February is in full swing and I know the North Devon U13 Cricket tour will again run in the summer. There will also be a major Senior Rugby tour to the USA in 2013.

The Tours Club is your chance to help us finance and kit out these tours. Please do send in your membership forms. If for any reason you did not receive a copy then please feel free to pick one up from Reception. Thank you.

Burns' Night Supper

Attention all Rugby parents — this evening unfortunately was cancelled last year — and demand for tickets is such that if we have not received your ticket requests by this coming Monday then this event will also not run this year. Please find the form at the end of the printed and pdf versions of this Bulletin.

Finagle's Eighth Rule —
"Teamwork is essential. It allows you to blame someone else."

JMR 13/1/12

Happy New Year to all our parents and a specially warm welcome to the new families that have joined us this term. We wish all our families a happy and successful New Year in 2012.

The boys have been quick to get back into school ways and have been working hard and enjoying playing with their friends again. There are always a few reluctant returners after a holiday but as a staff we have been pleased with the effort and eagerness very quickly shown this term and many merit certificates were given out this morning in assembly.

Also the Rabbit Awards were given to Fernando Perez–Pena Gonzales (5G) for the constant endeavour and cheerfulness he brings to his class and also to Aaron Sanger (3G) for his ready willingness to help others. Well done Fernando and Aaron.

New Piano Teachers

We are welcoming two new piano teachers this term, Mrs Debbie Fox who will be teaching on Thursdays and Fridays and Mrs Julia Deats who will be teaching on Tuesdays.

Ancient Greek Re–Enactment

On Tuesday 12th January, Year 6 boys, participated in an Ancient Greek re-enactment of life as a soldier in battle. The boys were divided into three armies; the Spartans, Athenians and their enemy the Persians. They had designed and made their own shields, swords and greaves (shin guards) ready for the day. The activity was to support their learning of life in Ancient Greece. They all gained an excellent understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the Ancient Greek Hoplite Phalanx battle formations and also the benefits and restrictions of the type of armour and weapons used.

The session was in two main parts. Firstly the boys learnt to march around the playground in a Hoplite Phlanx formation and then they tested their Testudo formation and strength of their armour by coming under attack from their enemies archers (bean bag throwers!).

A Request From Mrs Rogg

Most of our parents will remember well our previous Headteacher, Mrs Rogg, who ‘retired’ nearly two years ago. I say ‘retired’ but she and her husband are soon to be going out to South Africa to help in a Junior School there. She has agreed with the airline to take extra baggage in which she would like to take useful educational supplies, such as paper, pencils, rulers, etc and also books, posters, and any other materials that may be of use to Junior aged children. The school will be helping her with this request but if any parents would like to contribute to her ‘war chest’, she would be most grateful. If you have any contributions please drop them into the office by Wednesday 18 January. Thank you.

Tuesday 17 January — Year 1 and Year 5

As part of their science studies Years 1 and 5 will be visited by The Learning Dome portable planetarium on Tuesday 17 January. They will be joined by the girls from The College and will learn more about the Earth, Sun and Moon and the importance of the Earth as our home.

National Archives, Kew Thursday 19 January — Year 2

The boys will investigate original documents, meet Samuel Pepys and write with a quill pen!

Friday 20 January ‘Reading’ Meeting — Pre–Prep Parents

Mr Watkins and Mrs Payne will be hosting a brief meeting with parents of Pre-Prep boys next Friday from 8.50am– 9.30am in the Mezannine.

After School Activities — Reminder

The Football Activity programme begins next week. All the other activities are up and running. If any payments or permission slips are outstanding please can you send them to the school office Monday morning please.

Ridgeway's Got Talent

Ridgeway's Got Talent 2012 is being held on Thursday 9th February. Auditions for boys in Yrs 4, 5 and 6 will be held from Monday 30th January and the list for audition times will be posted from 23rd January. Start rehearsing your music/comedy/dance routines/magic/acting/poetry readings and any other talents you may have to compete to get your name on the coveted RGT cup.

Victorian Museum

Due to a misprint on the Term Dates for Lent 2012 the Victorian Museum trip taking place on Thursday 2 February should read that the trip is for Year 5 not for Year 3. A letter will be sent out to Year 5 pupils in due course.

Tours Club Burns' Night Supper — Friday 27 January

This really is an excellent evening of feasting, singing and dancing. Funds are raised for tours which Ridgeway boys can benefit from as well. If you want to enjoy a terrific evening with friends do get a table together. Booking forms are available from the office.

Secondary Education Information Meeting — Monday 23 January — Ridgeway 6.30pm

Please make a note of this date in your diary. Parents will receive a letter with further information next week.

Ski Trip Information Evening — Thursday 2 February

The Ski Information Evening will take place on Thursday 2 February for those families participating in our trip in April. This is an opportunity for those who have not previously skied with the School, to find out how the trip operates and discuss any concerns or issues they may have. A note will go home with full details.

Ridgeway Nearly New Uniform Sale

A sale of second hand uniform items will take place in the Mezzanine on Friday 10 February from 3pm–4.15pm

Sportsman's Dinner — 25 February

A date for your diary, theRidgeway Tours Club Sportsman's Dinner will be taking place on 25 February. Further information will be available next week.

For Prospective Pupils — Open Mornings In Claires Court Schools

Thursday 26 January, Wednesday 22 February and Tuesday 20 March

9.30–12.00 — Ridgeway, Claires Court, The College & Sixth Form.

9.30–11.30 — Nursery.

No appointment necessary, just drop in...

Lost Property

Calum Sargeant has mislaid his named tracksuit top. If found please return to the school office.

‘Wednesday Times’

The boys have been doing very well selling the ‘Wednesday Times’. The publication is put together by a group of Year 6 boys led by Edward Stout, Richard Adams and Ahsan Raja. So far they have raised £20 which will be divided between McMillan Nurses and Cancer Research UK.

Holiday Club News — Post Christmas Clear Out!

If, during this post Christmas period you have decided it's a great time to have a ‘good old clear out’, we would be delighted to accept specific items for our Holiday Club provision. Holiday Club is more popular than ever! A favourite activity with many of the children is our ‘Construction Room’ but due to popularity, our resources are becoming stretched! We are therefore especially keen to accept construction toys including Lego, Brio and Knex. Unfortunately, we do have limited space to store things so would ask that donations are limited at this time to construction toys but please do email us if you think you have an item that would be well played with at Holiday Club.

Thank you in anticipation for your support —holidayclub@clairescourt.com

February Half–term Holiday Club — Monday 13th February–Friday 17th February

Join us this half-term holiday where we have plenty of activities for our 3 to 12 year olds... Join us and try to set a new Holiday Club record with our popular ‘record breakers’, tackle our indoor assault course or build your own fantastic fort. An introduction to kick boxing with our visitor is sure to be stimulating and you can keep fit with our Street Dance instructor. As usual, don't forget our ever popular choice of daily artz n craftz, swimming and games... we look forward to seeing you!

Look online at our ‘Event Calendar’ for highlights of our activities and daily food menus. Visit www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub for the Booking Form and terms & conditions... Our discounted booking rate ends Friday 3rd February, and so does the chance to book a hot lunch - places are also limited, so don't forget to secure them early!

If you need any more information please email holidayclub@clairescourt.com or call us on 01628 687440.

Holiday Fun at Claires Court Schools gets bigger and even better!

Claires Court Schools is continuing to expand its programme of activities during each of the school holidays. Our hugely popular Holiday Club will be running every day during February half–term but separately we will also be running a number of other activities. The programme will include an Intensive Swimming course at The College pool, a Rugby Masterclass at Ridgeway and a series of workshops and masterclasses as part of our new Art and Craft Club. Activities at the Art and Craft Club will include a Pop Art Masterclass with our Artist in Residence, Warhammer Club and Craft Masterclasses where you can make your very own fashion accessories or create a puppet. Further detail on the activities and how to book can be found at www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub.

PTA News — Save the date — Diamond Ball on Saturday 12 May

Will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Marlow — More news on this popular event will be forthcoming shortly — please look out for full details in future Bulletins. Request for assistance — your chance to be on the Ball Committee, if you can spare some time to help organise this event please contact david.grant@westbourneplace.com

J.C.W. 13.01.12

Somewhat Belatedly... We Wish You All a Happy New Year

Sixth Form Swim Into The New Year!

Claires Court Sixth Form students were delighted to hear that they had been awarded the ‘President's Cup’ on Saturday at the Lions Club of Maidenhead Swimarathon at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead. After almost one hour and thousands of metres, with a team total of 55 laps, the swimmers could relax and enjoy the knowledge that the sponsorship money they have raised will be evenly shared between the Claires Court ‘3 for 3’ charities and the local and national causes supported by the Lions Club. The eight Sixth Formers can be very proud of their contribution to our local community. In addition, our team, with Olympic torch and rings, was the one the Club felt encapsulated the true spirit of the event. Well done!

Important information for parents

Reports/Grade Reports

Please return the acknowledgement slip which accompanied Reports and Grade Cards.

Able, Gifted, Talented Or Plain Enthusiastic About Languages

This week some girls have received a letter from the MFL department, inviting them to join them for fun activities on a Thursday from 1.30 to 2pm in F17. The proposed dates for activities this term are:

• French — 19 January and 1 March;
• German — 26 January and 8 March;
• Spanish — 2 February and 15 March.

A letter has been sent home to parents concerned. Please see Notes from the Head Teacher for more background.

Parking In Local Roads At The End Of The School Day

As you will appreciate, we are a busy school site and this is particularly so at the end of the school day when parents are waiting to pick up. I have recently had a complaint from a local resident about waiting cars blocking driveways, thereby making egress and exit difficult. I know this is always a problem faced by schools located in urban areas and I am sure that the vast majority of our parents park with great care and consideration. I would ask, however, that all parents avoid blocking driveways and help us be the good neighbours we always strive to be.

Buckinghamshire County Council School Transport Consultation

Bucks CC has written to all schools, including the independent sector, regarding a consultation they have launched for proposed changes to their ‘mainstream home to school transport policy’. We have been asked to inform our parents, who may have an interest, and to direct them to the online consultation at www.buckscc.gov.uk/schooltransport (we also have leaflets available in the School Office). The consultation period runs until 31 January.

Post Christmas Clearout!

If, during this post Christmas period, you have decided it's a great time to have a ‘good old clear out’, we would be delighted to accept specific items for our Holiday Club provision. Holiday Club is more popular than ever! A favourite activity with many of the children is our ‘Construction Room’ but due to popularity our resources are becoming stretched! We are therefore especially keen to accept construction toys including Lego, Brio and Knex. Unfortunately we do have limited space so would ask that donations are limited at this time to construction toys but please do email us if you think you have an item that would be ‘well played with’ at Holiday Club. Thank you in anticipation for your support. holidayclub@clairescourt.com

Holiday Fun At Claires Court Schools Gets Bigger And Even Better!

Claires Court Schools is continuing to expand its programme of activities during each of the School holidays. Our hugely popular Holiday Club will be running every day during February half–term but separately we will also be running a number of other activities. The programme will include an Intensive Swimming Course in the College pool, a Rugby Masterclass at Ridgeway and a series of workshops and masterclasses as part of our new Art and Craft Club. Activities at the Art and Craft Club will include a Pop Art Masterclass with our Artist in Residence, Warhammer Club and Craft Masterclasses where you can make your very own fashion accessories or create a puppet. Further detail on the activities and how to book can be found at www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub.

Year 6 Take On The Stock Market!

The Year 6 class has started the Stock Market exercise during their Mathematics lessons. Each girl in the class has £15,000 (not real money!!) to invest in different companies on the Stock Market. They choose their companies from the financial pages of The Daily Telegraph and monitor their shares for one month. Throughout the exercise data is recorded on a daily basis, graphs produced, prices reviewed and buying/selling decisions are made. At the end of the month, all shares are sold and the girl with the highest profit will be the Stockbroker of the Year!

The results for the end of the first week (and their tips) are as follows:

The girls would like to remind all future investors that ‘Share prices can go down as well as up’.

Nursery & Transition News (specific news but please read the rest of the Colloquium!)

The staff wish all their families a Happy New Year! The topic for the Lent term is Shapes and Colours. Next week, Nursery will be thinking about circles while Transition children will be looking at shapes and sizes.

Dates!

Main School: Week Commencing Monday 16 January 2012

The Set Hot Lunch will be Week 2 of the Lent Term menu.

Tues 17 Jan — Years 1 And 5 To ‘The Learning Dome’ Planetarium At Ridgeway

The Year 1 and Year 5 girls will be visiting ‘The Learning Dome’ portable planetarium at Ridgeway. The visit will aim to bring to life the topic of space and our place within it. Using models, photographs, demonstrations and the planetarium ’The Learning Dome’ will bring the night time sky to the girls! A letter has been sent home and parents were requested to return the consent slip for minibus transport.

Thurs 19 Jan — Year 8 Parents' Evening 6pm

Year 8 pupils should have brought home a letter regarding Parents' Evening. Please indicate which of your daughter's teachers you would like to meet and she should make timed appointments on your behalf.

Wed 25 Jan — Year 11 Art Trip To Tate Modern

Year 11 artists will have a look around the gallery and a talk on ‘Process’. A letter has been sent home this week with details and the reply slip and payment of £13 should be returned to School by Friday 20 January.

Tues 25 Jan — Open Morning On All Three Sites

From 9.30am–12.00pm (to 11.30am for the Nursery). We welcome prospective parents and also our existing parents who might be considering the next step e.g. Nursery to College. There is no need to book, just turn up! You will be shown around the division of your choice by some of our girls and have the opportunity to meet Mr Bevis and other senior members of staff.

Mon 30 Jan — Senior Schools Presentation Evening For Parents of Pre and Junior Prep

Information on this informative evening will be available next week.

Advance Dates!

Wed 1 Feb — Senior & Co–Educational Sixth Form Open Evening

Watch this space for more information in the next few weeks!!

14–17 February Year 11 History Trip To Berlin

Flight details on this trip will shortly be circulated and passport information will be required. A place has become available so if a Year 11 Historian would like to join the group, please ask at the School Office for full details. This trip really does bring the classroom work to life and is also great fun!

16–18 March 2012 GCSE Geography Field Trip

A reminder has been sent home this week for the balance payment of £95. Further information on the travel itinerary and required kit will be issued later this term.

Notes From The Head Teacher

We have been back over a week now and it may seem a little late to wish you all a Happy New Year – but I will anyway! As ever, we have started the term with a bang and it was fantastic to hear about the superb support given by our Sixth Form to the Lions Club Swimarathon and their wonderful achievement in being awarded the President's Cup. Also to their huge credit our sixth form are the only ones from local sixth forms that have taken up the opportunity to be local Olympic volunteers during the 2012 Olympiad.

Those of you who have an enthusiastic and advanced linguist in the Senior girls will have heard about the MFL Department's initiative to provide them with an extra challenge to feed and nourish that enthusiasm. This is, of course, linked to our AG&T+ programme which is an extension of what in many schools goes under the acronym G&T (no, not a certain drink with malaria prevention properties but a programme to ensure that able and talented youngsters do not get overlooked in the drive to raise standards). I have always had a problem with such a programme — firstly, I doubt the validity of the various measures that are used to identify such learners, secondly, it assumes a static level of performance and thirdly, and most importantly, it seems to exclude those who may not be the most able but have a driving all–consuming passion for something. In short it is an artificial distinction which we have overcome by including those who have that passion in our group. Having identified what do we do for them, how do we take them forward? Well, in a myriad of ways — requiring greater use of higher order thinking skills in class, opportunities to attend outside university lectures, the extended project qualifications, external and internal competitions in a range of academic and creative disciplines, attendance at extension classes, regional sport development squads etc. I have asked our teaching teams to consider even more ways in which we can provide for those who aspire to the highest levels and I will ensure that you get to hear about these initiatives.

In a recent letter to Year 10 parents I asked for help in one very specific but important area — reading! Today we live within a rich mosaic of learning opportunities and ways of accessing information. We have the highest quality visual, oral and text based material we have ever experienced. Access to this abundance of treasures has never been easier — books, iPads, on–demand video and audio sources, smartphones, netbooks, x–boxes, Kindles and so on. These can be wonderfully engaging and stimulating but, arguably, reading demands the greatest reflective engagement with the material. It is less passive and compels from the reader greater concentration and effort than either purely listening or watching. This means going beyond a skim read of the headlines, sub headings and picking up on key words it means reading the whole article, chapter, or commentary and it is in this way in that we acquire the higher order thinking required for A*/A achievement. How can you help us? Well as an example you may have been viewing the BBC's ‘The Frozen Planet’ together which discussed the impacts of temperature increases on the Polar Regions. The programme's website page gave links to some excellent reading material related to science and geography as well as a free Open University on–line introductory course on the polar regions — you could all do it!

Or surprise your daughter by tweeting a link to a pet issue with links to blogs, on–line and paper based discussions which may lead to some excellent ‘over the dining table’ discussions etc. In essence I am asking for your help in engaging your daughters — whenever and however — in debate, discussion, shared reading and having a joy of learning for its' own sake.

"To read is to fly: it is to soar to a point of vantage which gives a view over wide terrains of history, human variety, ideas, shared experience and the fruits of many inquiries."

A C Grayling

Paul Bevis

"A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other"

13.1.12

We Wish You All a Very Happy New Year

It is pleasing to report that the majority of students have returned from their break fit and well and have settled quickly to studies and revision in order to attain the best possible grades in January examinations. We would like to remind parents of the Parents’ Evenings for this term, Year 12 on 24 January and Year 13 on 12 March.

2012 Starts With a Splash!

Claires Court Sixth Formers Contribute to Local Charities and Win the President's Cup!

We were delighted to learn that our team of Sixth Form students had been awarded the ‘President's Cup’ on Saturday 7 January at the Lions Club of Maidenhead ‘Swimarathon’ at the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead.

Cheered on by parents and staff, the eight swimmers paraded their Olympic Torch and Olympic Rings around the pool, wearing gold medals as they went. Fify five minutes of team swimming is not for the faint hearted and Jenny Moores, our only female entrant, worked relentlessly throughout while Nick Lerner gave a strong performance, wisely varying his chosen stroke. Jack Goss and Adam Bowler swam two lengths each carrying the Olympic torch high, kindly humouring Mrs Burdett and Mrs Rogers who ‘persuaded’ them to do it. George Grose and Matt Martin used their natural style to entertain the spectators while Will Barton and Martin Wisby ‘wowed’ everyone with their dolphin impressions!

Almost one hour and thousands of metres later, the klaxon sounded and the race was over. With a team total of 55 laps the swimmers could relax and enjoy the knowledge that the sponsorship money they have raised will be evenly shared between the Claires Court ‘3 for 3’ charities and the local and national causes supported by the Lions Club.

The eight Sixth Formers can be very gratified by their contribution to our local community and should be especially proud of being awarded the President's Cup. This cup is awarded not to the fastest swimmers (although our swimmers were actually very quick), nor to the team with most sponsorship (although our team have raised a good sum of money), but to the one which encapsulates the true spirit of the event. With 111 other teams swimming throughout the day this recognition is quite simply brilliant. The President's Cup will be awarded later this year on the 18 April and we will keep you informed of where the presentation will take place. Well done to our swimmers who were great ambassadors for the School and a credit to their families.

Well Done also to Rory Kempson, Eliot Stokes, Simon Morin and Joshua Harris of Year 12 who were part of two Maidenhead Rowing Club teams at the Swimarathon. They started the day off at 7am in the morning and the two teams swam 76 and 79 lengths.

EPQ Success

Well deserved grades of three A*, one A and one C were achieved by our candidates Abi Davies, Liz Pleace, Jess Connor, Ollie Levesley and India Evans, showing that the moderator appreciated the interesting projects submitted by these students. The moderator also reported that the School’s organisation of the EPQ was the best that he had ever seen, so congratulations are also in order to Dr Berman, Mrs Burdett, Mr Crawley and Dr Meek.

Congratulations

Congratulations are also in order to the students who passed their National Pool Lifguarding Qualification during the holiday break. Sarah Allerton, Ben Atkinson, Holly Chapman, George Grose, Nikki McGarry, Josh Harris, Rory Kempson, Ollie Lane, Jenny Moores, Ben Ratcliff, Sofia Simmons and Tony Tedeschi are now able to take paid employment as lifeguards with the Holiday Club as well as use this qualification towards their AS level Physical Education examination.

Their first opportunity for work is available below.

A number of vacancies for lifeguards at Holiday Club are available and Mrs Constantine would like to invite the recently qualified canditates to apply. Please contact her as follows:

Mrs Lynne Constantine
Phone —01628 687440
Email — lmc@clairescourt.com

Presentation of A Level Certificates

More than two thirds of students from last year's Year 13 attended on 6 January for a delightful evening in which they were able to catch up with old friends, chat to their ‘old’ teachers and collect their well earned A Level certificates. They all appear to be thoroughly enjoying their new courses but in some cases are a bit surprised at how hard they are having to work!

Goalball At The Paralympics

Congratulations to past pupil Michael Sharkey (also son of our former Head of Sixth Form, Trevor Sharkey), who together with his sister Anna, will be competing for Great Britain in the Paralympics 2012 in the goalball teams. We are delighted to hear of their progress and look forward to hearing good news in due course. Fingers crossed for some medals!

January Gce Module Examinations

These exams began this Wednesday, 11 January 2012.

All exams will be conducted on The College site and students should aim to be outside the designated room by 9.10am for a morning exam and 1.45pm for an afternoon exam. There is no study leave for January modules, but if students have an afternoon exam and wish to revise at home in the morning this will be authorised.

Dates For Your Diary

Wednesday 18 January – Years 12/13 Drama to ‘Lovesong’ at the Lyric Theatre

Consent forms and payment should have been received by the office by Friday. If there are any still outstanding please could these come in on Monday morning. Also outstanding is payment from some students for the previous performance on 4 January – please send that in at the same time.

Students will leave from College at 5.30pm and will return at approximately 10.30pm.

"If there are two or more ways to do something, and one of those ways can result in a catastrophe, then someone will do it."

Murphy's original law!

PAB
13/01/2012

We Wish You All A Very Happy Christmas & New Year

Included with this Seasonal Bulletin:

• Year 7 Grade Cards
• Years 8, 9 & 10 Full Reports
• Academic Principal's Newsletter & Achievements Brochure
• Next Term's Menu
• Year 11 Full Report — January 2012

School Returns On Monday 9 January 2012 — Late Buses And Activities Commence This Week.

Thank You

Thank You for your donations of clothes for The Passage and items for the hampers which will go to both The Passage and Brunel House — these will be distributed early next week.

Christmas Extreme Reading Competition

The Prize — A new Jazz Still and Movie Camera.

All you need to do is:

1. Take A Picture (an example of one on the left here)
2. label it with the name of the Book and its Author
3. Load the picture up to your initials@clairescourt.net account
4. Share it with jtw@clairescourt.net

Extreme Reading 2011.

SnowPhone Cascade

For those parents who signed up to be included, these contact lists have been sent out by post. One or two classes will also have received an updated version due to changed telephone numbers/addresses. As the temperature seems to be dropping, please do make sure that you have this in a safe place. Copies available from the office if needed. In the event of snow we aim to contact parents as soon as is practicable. However, it is helpful to also check the school website www.clairescourt.com or call the dedicated travel line (01628 411473) for information about emergency school closure.

Booster Packs to Enhance Pupils' Mathematics Performance

Please be aware that the Maths Department have given optional holiday tasks for younger pupils in order to enhance their numeracy skills over the Christmas period. These tasks consists of sets of tasks in the Booster Packs of MyMaths. Year 7 will concentrate on 4 Booster Packs, Year 8 will concentrate on 6 Booster Packs and Year 9 will do from D to C Pack. There will be a prize in each year group for the highest average score. Remember: you can re–launch the task over and over again in order to improve your score. Pupils should know their login details. Any queries please e-mail Mrs Myers at jum@clairescourt.com.

Year 11 GCSE Maths Unit 2 Re–sit

Pupils in Year 11 who would benefit from re-taking Unit 2 GCSE Maths examination have been notified. They have been given 4 sets of past examination papers to complete over the holiday period. They can use their exercise books, textbook and revision booklets to help them. They will not be allowed to use a calculator for this unit. Their examination will take place in March 2012. Any queries please e-mail Mrs Myers at jum@clairescourt.com.

Office News & Looking Ahead

The Office will be closed from noon on Friday 23 December and will re–open at 9.00am on Tuesday 3 January 2012

• Thursday 12 January — Year 10 GCSE Biology Exam
• Tuesday 17 January — Year 11 Art Trip to Tate Modern.
• Tuesday 17 January — Year 8 Parents Evening from 6.30pm
• Wednesday 18 January — Year 10 GCSE Chemistry Exam
• Friday 20 January — Year 10 GCSE Physics Exam

Music Notes — From Mr Roach

All music lessons will resume on the first day of the new term. PLEASE DO NOT FORGET. Times for these have already been arranged.

Rugby Team Photographs

These photographs have arrived and are on display in Reception. Order forms are available from the office — deadline for orders to the Office by Monday 23 January 2012. Thank you.

Lost Property

Over the Christmas holiday if you could please go through every item in your sons kit bag, and return to Reception any items that don't belong to him, we would be most grateful. We do have a lost property box and our Nurse Mrs Adams keeps a list of found named items so boys can enquire if they have lost items.

Who is in need of some deep relaxation?

Probably all of us at this time of year! If in the New Year you feel in need of a calming influence, look at www.letitbeyoga.co.uk where you will find details of deep relaxation sessions which operate in the College chapel on selected Friday evenings.

Christmas Holiday Club Monday 19 December to Friday 23 December — For 3–12 year olds

For full information and menus Booking Form and Terms and Conditions visit www.clairescourt.com/holidayclub

Trips

Monday 9 January — Years 10 & 11 Drama — ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ at the Adelphi Theatre London

We have now re–booked and letters have been distributed to pupils with the new arrangements. Please be aware that this trip takes place on the first day of term, so be sure to make a diary note and ensure your son brings a packed tea with him.

10–13 February 2012 — Year 11 Football Tour

There are 14 tourists at present, which means there are two places available. If any Year 11 wishes to come on tour, please contact Mr O'Reilly or Mrs Adams on Reception.

10–13 February 2012 — Year 9 French Language Trip to Paris

We are sorry to say that sufficient support was not received to allow this trip to go ahead. Deposits which have been paid will be credited against the end of term fee invoice.

14–17 February 2012 — Year 11 History Trip to Berlin

We would request that any outstanding payments for this trip are posted into School without delay please.

Ski Trip 2012 — 7–14 April

Some paperwork remains outstanding. Reminders have been made so could we ask for all returns without any further delay to allow us to send the tour operator all the detail so they may finalise our arrangements.

100 Club — Tours Club Membership

Many of you will now have received your 2011/12 Tours Club Membership forms and are no doubt drumming up support from friends and relatives. Please return the forms at your earliest convenience to Mrs Adams on Reception. The Year 11 Football tour to East Anglia in February is in full swing and I know the North Devon U13 Cricket tour will again run in the summer. There will also be a major Senior Rugby tour to the USA in 2013. The Tours Club is your chance to help us finance and kit out these tours. Please do send in your membership forms. If for any reason you did not receive a copy then please feel free to pick one up from Reception. Thank you.

The Best jokes out of Wednesday's Christmas lunch crackers... I did say the best...

Q. Where can you buy British rail bubble gum?
A. On a Chew Chew train.

Q.Why are ghosts so bad at lying?
A. You can see right through them.

Q. What do you call someone who makes clothes for rabbits?
A. A Hare Dresser.

Q. Who is the most famous married woman in America?
A. Mrs Sippi.

And probably the best one...

Q. How do you make an apple puff?
A. Chase it around the garden.

JMR 16/12/11

The end of term has raced upon us with a truly marvellous Nativity on Thursday morning and the equally wonderful Carol Service on Friday.

These events really do bring home the beauty and true meaning of Christmas and all the children involved were excellent in their different ways.

It has been a very busy and successful term with rugby teams and chess teams all performing well and trophies being won. There have been trips to Hampton Court, The Rye, field studies to the Isle of Wight and outward bound to Dorset — just to mention a few. On the academic front, three boys gained ‘Gold’ awards in the Primary Maths Challenge and thirteen Year 6 boys passed their 11+ exams. Music–wise boys have passed various exams, including an outstanding 142 out of 150 for grade one piano, and the music, singing and drama have culminated over the last two days in the Nativity and Carol Service at All Saints Church.

Well done to all the boys throughout the school and we wish all our families a very Happy Christmas and the best of luck for the New Year.

Our last Rabbit Award of the year goes to Richard Adams in 6L who was most kind in helping a younger boy carry all manner of bags and equipment down two flights of stairs this week. Well done Richard.

Farewell Mrs Botha

We are sorry to say goodbye to Mrs Botha who is leaving to take up a teaching post in China. Mrs Botha has taught music at The College and piano to our boys at Ridgeway for several years now and she will be sorely missed. We wish her the best of luck on her exciting new adventure. For boys learning the piano we are hoping to appoint a new piano teacher in the next few days.

Christmas Shoebox Appeal — The Link Foundation

Three local charities will be benefitting from those shoe boxes which you all kindly donated. There were a total of 95 boxes and they will be delivered to the Family Nurse Partnership in Slough who support and help young vulnerable mothers, KINARA which is an Asian Women's Refuge in Langley and South Bucks and East Berks Womens' Aid in Slough. Your generous donations will help to bring a smile to the faces of dozens of children this Christmas. Thank you.

Houspoint Winners — Cliveden

A close fought battle between Windsor and Cliveden this term with Cliveden eventually winning by just 58 points.

Chess

Once again, many boys in the school have been involved in the Chess Club and we have had our Autumn Term Tournament in addition to the Claires Court and Ridgeway Society Chess Festival. Thirty four boys participated in the tournament – U.11 winner was Charlie Grayson, U11 runner up Nikolai Hinterreither. U9 winner was Harry Grayson, runner up Jake Bains-Gillespie after a tensely fought tournament. The Best in Year winners were Michael Spencer, Harry Grayson, Duncan Kenton, Nikolai Hinterreither and Charlie Grayson.

Carols At Cherry Garden Nursing Home

Lent Term 2012 — Term Begins on Monday 9 January at the normal time of 8.50am.

Library News

Reading Champions for this term are:-

Jamie Webster (6L), Paul Bartkowiak (6S), Aditya Sharma (6S), Jake Wincomb (5G), Yusuf Mohammed (5Y), Harry Herbert (4G), Andrey Todorov (4Y), Andrew Babcock (3G), Tommy James (3Y).

If you have a few minutes spare over the holidays, why not try your hand at our Online Christmas Quiz? It's all about Christmas films and books.

Email all entries to hed@clairescourt.com and I will randomly pick two entries to receive a prize in the New Year so don't worry if you don't know all the answers.

Happy Reading and Merry Christmas everyone

Mrs Davies

Now...

This part of the bulletin will hopefully provide you with all those bits of information that are vital for the smooth running of our school and your household! Please read and digest all information and make a special note in a prominent place of the many number of ‘dates’ or events that apply to your family.

Coaches

Commencing the first week back the coaches will be operating as normal with early and late services.

After–School Activities

The full Activity programme begins on Monday 9 January except for football and cross country which commence week beginning Monday 16 January.

School Uniform

The Ridgeway uniform remains the same for the Lent Term.

Can we please ask you to check uniform and sports kit over the holiday? There are still reports of missing items of uniform, sports' clothing and shoes. Are they in your house tucked away somewhere? Please also check whether labels need re–doing. We have many items of un–named school clothes in the conservatory (lost property area) — if these were named we could return them.

Games Arrangements

Sport' Kit

This term pupils in Year 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 play soccer during their main Games sessions.

Pre–School/After School Care

Pre–School Care is available at Ridgeway from 7.30–8.30 a.m. and After School Care at Ridgeway until 5pm when children then transfer to The College until 6.30pm unless collected before the bus leaves or we have had a message that you may be a few minutes late.

Ridgeway Office Arrangements

The Ridgeway Office will close by midday on Friday 23 December and re–opens at 9am on Tuesday 3 January.

Lost Items

Max Brooker has lost two green school jumpers which are named, tracksuit bottoms and a school blazer. Maximus Chapman has mislaid a school cap. If any of these are found can you bring them to the school. James Marsh Mossedeghi has not been able to find his blazer.

We wish you a very happy and peaceful Christmas season.

J.C.W.
16.12.11

A Very Happy Christmas to all our families and a Peaceful New Year!!

• Term starts for Nursery And Transition: Thursday 5 January
• Pre-school care and After School Care will be available from Thursday 5 January
• Term starts for College: Monday 9 January
• Late buses and After School Activities will also start on Monday 9 January

Thank You To Our PTA!

A big, Christmassy ‘thank you’ to our PTA for all their work this term and every term. They have generously funded both the Pre and Junior Prep theatre trips and the sweets for Father Christmas to distribute. Please do support them whenever you can.

Carol Singing

By popular demand, the Junior Prep department has paid another visit to St Mark's Nursing Home where they have sung to residents and chatted to them. We are very proud of our girls for the way they made Christmas a bit more special for these elderly people.

Claires Court Schools Clothing To The Passage In London

Clothing has now been taken to The Passage. Thank you to those who kindly donated.

Salvation Army ‘Goodies’

The Salvation Army collected our wonderful array of goodies on Thursday and were very, very appreciative! Thank you to all Nursery, Seniors and Sixth Form for your generous donations. In the photo, our Year 10 Elves help to load the Salvation Army van.

Queens Of Cake!

Congratulations to the following girls in Year 10, led by Rachel Platt, who organised a cake sale this week and raised £60 in aid of the Maidenhead Sailing Club (the girls take the opportunity to sail on a regular basis during their games afternoons): Lauren Hancock, Leander Harlow, Natasha Vincent, Katie Dorrat and Alice Nixon.

Pre And Junior Prep Painting Competition

Hamptons Estate Agents in Maidenhead invited our children to take part in a painting competition, the Juniors to draw a house and the Pre-Prep had to colour a Santa picture. Hamptons have chosen two winners (they said it was a difficult decision, there were so many good paintings!): Isabella Billingham, Year 1, in the ‘Colour Santa ’category and Izzy van Vuuren Year 6, in the ‘Draw a House’category. Both girls will receive prizes of an art kit from Hamptons to be presented on Friday (check out the Maidenhead Advertiser next week!) and Hamptons has also kindly donated £200 to the School for art supplies.

Festive News From The College Libraries...

Library Christmas Reading Trees

Students in the Junior Library Book Club and Year 7 Library Skills classes have crafted some beautiful book ‘stars’ to decorate our Christmas Reading Trees this year. All the girls have been rewarded for their efforts and all the stars, representing the girls' best books of 2011, are now on display. Well done and Merry Christmas from the College Librarians.

Important information for parents

End Of Term Mailing

Please check your mailing carefully and return the acknowledgement slip which accompanies Reports and Grade Cards.

Please see the information on Scholarships included in the mailings for Year 6 (11+), Year 7 (12+) and Year 8(13+) as the deadline is 1 February 2012.

10–13 February 2012 — Year 9 French Language Trip To Paris

We are sorry to say that sufficient support was not received to allow this trip to go ahead. Deposits which have been paid will be credited against the end of term fee invoice.

Important Notice To Pre–Prep Parents — Changes In The Way You Pay For School Lunches

From January 2012 we are changing the way the Pre–Prep children pay for school lunches. The teachers will keep a register listing each child's choices for lunch each day; this will be tallied at the end of term and the costs accrued will be added to your bill. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY INTO SCHOOL IN ADVANCE. We hope that this will be a far more efficient system than the one we have used previously.

Nursery & Transition News(specific news but please read the rest of the Colloquium!)

Well done to our little performers who entertained our parents so beautifully! Photos will be posted on our School website shortly. The topic next term for all children is Shapes And Colours. The Nursery staff wish all their families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Please note: Transition will be on Week 1 of the Lent Menu for the first two days.

Dates!

Main School: Week Commencing Monday 9 January 2012 — The Set Hot Lunch will be Week 1 of the Lent Term menu.

• Fri 6 Jan — Year 9 Study Skills (optional)
• Mon 9 Jan — Main School Commences
• Tues 10 Jan — Year 8 HPV Injections
• Tues 10 Jan — Year 10 (Set 3) GCSE English Exam & Year 11 Re–Sit (am)
• Thurs 12 Jan — Year 11 Presentation By David Hyner (am)
• Thurs 12 Jan — Year 10 GCSE Biology Exam(am)
• Thurs 12 Jan — Year 10 Parents' Evening 6pm in the School Hall
  Please find an appointment sheet in your end of term mailing. Your daughter should make the appointments during the first three days back.
• Fri 13 Jan — Year 11 GCSE English Literature Exam Re–Sit (pm)

Advance Dates!

14–17 Feb 2012 — Year 11 History Trip To Berlin

We would request that any outstanding payments for this trip are posted into School without delay, please.

Ski Trip 2012 — 7–14 April

Some paperwork remains outstanding. Reminders have been made so could we please ask for all returns without any further delay to allow us to send the tour operator all the detail so they may finalise our arrangements.

Christmas Holiday Club — Monday 19th December–Friday 23rd December

At The College. To book your place please visit www.clairescourt.com/holiday-club. The booking form (and registration form if this is your first time) can be found on the website. If you need more information please call 01628 687440 or email holidayclub@clairescourt.com

Holiday Club Team

Notes From The Head Teacher

It is difficult to believe that I am writing my final Head Teacher's notes of the term as the last 15 weeks have flown by. This is a testament to both how busy a community we are and the immense amount of enjoyment my job has brought me. Much of that enjoyment has come from the many conversations and discussions I have had with you, our parents, and can I thank you for all the support you have given us over the last term.

One of the joys of working in such a diverse educational community as The College is how grounded our children and young people keep us, grounded but also inspired. They inspire us with their achievements, their efforts, and the immense amount of concern they show for each other and for others in our wider community. Thank you for the gifts of food and the presents in the shoe boxes and I can report that all these have now been collected by the Salvation Army and Maidenhead Child Contact Centre, with their grateful thanks.

Over the last week I have read end of term reports for every age group — from Reception to Sixth Form. A chore you might think? Anything but when I learn of the progress and achievement that has come through being prepared to strive and rise to the challenge. Where some have not quite reached our expectations we will have plans in place to help them next term and during our in–service training will be considering how we can challenge and support even more.

When you feel begin to feel a little jaded in the pre–Christmas period we have just the antidote: the sheer joy of all of our youngsters engaging in the traditional celebrations. This week we were marvellously entertained by a veritable animal cavalcade of Nursery children, dressed in magical costumes, who entertained a Hall chock full of parents with a whole range of songs. Joined by our Pre–Prep who gave us their ‘Three Kings’ we were once again reminded of just how much even the youngest can learn, remember and do; we under-estimate them at our peril.

My Wednesday began with a news report from Year 2 about the Great Fire of London and witnessing a re–enactment of the event, history being brought alive and what a way to engage in learning. Then the arrival of Father Christmas in, to the sheer joy and amazement of everyone from Nursery to Year 6, (oh! and the Year 10 elves, various members of the sixth form and staff!), a sleigh pulled by a real live reindeer! Never a school to miss a learning opportunity we heard of the reindeer’s food, lichen, especially imported from the arctic tundra in Norway which many small hands fed to ‘Ben’, so many in fact he really didn't want to leave. Presents were distributed by Santa and the elves and then we had our traditional Christmas lunch served by our hard working catering team supported by, yes, you’ve guessed it, the elves. This was a really a happy occasion with staff and pupils sharing food, singing songs and enjoying each other’s company and silly hats.

Christmas is a time for companionship and sharing memories, but also a time to look forward. Last week I was invited to attend a meeting of the Maidenhead Chamber of Commerce where I gave a short presentation on our key objectives (see Claires Court Christmas newsletter) and how we are preparing our older pupils and students for a working life in the 21st Century. Companies are now waking up to the huge pool of 18+ talent and I discussed with them finding ways into employment–based training and development for those who decide that university is not their preferred route. Talking of Sixth Form — our Year 11 girls had an opportunity to be a sixth-former for a day — more on that when we have their feedback.

From myself, and all of us at College, please have a wonderful Christmas, however you celebrate the winter break, and enjoy and relish your time with your children as we have enjoyed working with them over the last term. I look forward to welcoming them all back in the New Year.

Paul Bevis

"What's the most popular wine at Christmas?"
"Do I have to eat my Brussel sprouts?"

"What do you call a gigantic polar bear?"
"Nothing, you just run away!"

"What do parrots eat?"
"Polyfilla"

16.12.11

Wishing You A Very Happy Christmas!

This has been a full and exciting term. Year 12 have settled into Sixth Form life and are adapting to the increased demands of AS Levels and enjoying the enrichment opportunities. Year 13 have stepped up their efforts and are working with a mature focus on their studies. They even found time for a ‘Secret Santa’ moment in the run up to Christmas. A blend of study and fun is the key to balance in life and students would do well to mix exam preparations with leisure time this holiday and enjoy a very Happy Christmas!

Mr Giles & Mrs Rogers

Christmas Hampers

Each year a group of Sixth Form students helps the Lions Club to pack and load nearly 300 hampers for deserving people in Maidenhead and Windsor. This year help is required from 9–11am on Sunday 18 December in the Sports Hall at the Ray Mill Road East site. This is always great fun, as well as hard work, with a festive atmosphere and the Lions ladies plying mince pies. Please give your name to Mr Giles or Mrs Rogers if you can come along to help.

Hampers For The Salvation Army

The hampers put together at College with donations from senior girls and Sixth Form students were loaded into the Salvation Army's vehicle Wednesday afternoon (after an exciting visit from Santa with his reindeer!) by Santa's elves. The Salvation Ary was grateful for these hampers which will be distributed to the needy in our local area. Thanks to all who donated items.

Playworkers' Course

The first two teaching sessions for this course will be on Friday 16 December from 1–5 pm and on Monday 19 December from 9–5 pm.

Classes will be held in HM4 (Geography room on middle floor). All students who have signed up for the course are expected to be there on 16 December and all except those doing NPLQ on 19 December.

Mrs Constantine will be in touch with students who have indicated that they would like to start their voluntary hours in Holiday Club during the rest of the week before Christmas.

Wednesday 4 January 2012 — Years 12&13 Drama to ‘Haunted Child’

Letters detailing information on this theatre trip are distributed to the relevant students with this Bulletin. We would be grateful for return of consents and payments by post before Christmas please.

‘Year 14’ Awarding of A Level Certificates

We are looking forward to welcoming back last year’s Year 13 for an informal gathering in the Common Room at 4.30pm on Friday 6 January 2012. This is always an enjoyable occasion when students can catch up with friends and members of staff.

Examinations

Year 12 Mock exams

A reminder to parents of Year 12 students that the mock examinations are on 5 and 6 January 2012 and so these dates need to be borne in mind when organising Christmas and New Year festivities. Each student now has a copy of the days and times they are required to attend and they should report outside the chapel 15 minutes before the examination is due to begin.

January AS and A2 module examinations

Personal timetables for these external examinations have been sent home from the examinations officer Mrs Cremin. These exams will be held at College and a room timetable will be posted at the beginning of term. Please note that there is no study leave for these examinations. However, students who have an afternoon examination will be excused for study in the morning of the same day.

Art Examinations

These will take place as follows:

• AS (Year 12) — Thursday 19 and Friday 20 January 2012
• A2 (Year 13) — Tuesday 31 January and Wednesday 1 February 2012

Drama Moderation

• A2 (Year 13) — Thursday 9 February 2012. 6pm at Norden Farm Arts Centre
• AS (Year 12) — Tuesday 27 March 2012. 6pm at Norden Farm Arts Centre

Ski Trip 2012 — 7–14 April

Some paperwork remains outstanding. Reminders have been made, so could we ask for all returns without any further delay to allow us to send the tour operator all the details so they may finalise our arrangements.

Student Cars

There are still a number of these forms which have not been returned! We would ask parents to make sure this is done by signing the form and making sure a copy of the front page of the insurance document is returned with the form.

A Chance To Recycle With The Geography Department

Ms Lunney has signed us up to the ‘Aquafresh Oral Care Brigade’. She will be putting a collection box at both CC and College for people to put used/old toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes in. When we have full boxes we then send them off to TerraCycle and they get made into pen holders, pencil cases etc! At the same time we get points per unit which we can then convert to money to give to a charity of our choice!

"There has been only one Christmas — the rest are anniversaries."

W. J. Cameron

Paul Bevis, Headteacher
16.12.2011