Senior Newsletter Fri 4th November 2011

Issue 8                                 4^th November 2011 

Year 11 Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award – Just practising! 

Year 11 completed their practice expedition for the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award over the 8^th and 9^th of October. This very prestigious award involves up to a year of volunteering work, an expedition and a skill.The D of E groups arrived at the meeting point, bleary eyed and yawning, and preparing themselves for the long weekend ahead.Groups were taken to separate meeting points (to ensure no cheating!) and started their adventures in style, with heavy rucksacks and waterproofs galore.The first day of the expedition brought laughter (sympathetic?!) and enjoyment as a result of James Robinson’s dramatic and almost scripted fall.  Morale was high – despite the rain, blisters, hunger and tiredness…When the groups arrived at the campsite, tired and hungry, they were elated by the simplest of pleasures: soup, pasta and a bowl of custard.The next morning after another ‘gourmet’ meal (porridge) the groups set off on their long walk to the final destination. To distract themselves from the pain in their blistered feet and the thoughts of ‘are we there yet?’ the intrepid explorers resorted to delirious laughing and hysterical singing.As the groups reached the end of the 30k walk, a Sunderland High School minibus loomed into sight, bringing a sigh of relief from every member of the group.Well done to everyone for completely the practice, and good luck in the final! Thanks to Mr and Mrs Wayman for organising the expedition, and to Mrs Taylor for accompanying the walkers.  

Maths Revision 

Maths Revision will take place each lunchtime this week and next from 1.15-1.40pm in D6 in Clifton Hall. This is for Year 10 pupils and for Year 11 involved in resits.Year 12 & 13 Maths Workshop will start on Tuesday, from  4-5pm in D6 

All Saints’ Day Service 

On Tuesday the whole school walked down the road to St. Ignatius Church for our traditional All Saints’ Day Service. Father Andrew’s absorbing sermon included references to Justin Timberlake and Justin Bieber, but the only Justin that really mattered was the Christian Martyr, who was killed for his beliefs just over a century after the death of Jesus. It was an inspiring service - plus the pupils missed first lesson, so everyone left happy! 

European Computer Driving Licence 

The ECDL is a qualification which shows that the participant understands the core applications of computing which are required for everyday use in the 21^st century. So far, two of our Year 13 students – Haylie Pallister and Alex Wood -  have already completed their ECDL and hopefully many more will follow. The qualification is a great addition to any UCAS form so if you are interested please contact Mrs Hill for further details.      

WHATS ON!!                     

Mon 7^th                House Rugby and Hockey this weekTues 8^th