Secondary School of the Year Award (Sponsored by World Challenge)  Winner: The Buckingham School

We are delighted to announce that The Buckingham School has been voted Secondary School of the Year at the Bucks and MK Sports Awards held at The Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on Friday 21 November.  

The judging panel were impressed by the whole school ethos to physical activity as demonstrated in our ‘Active Tutorials’ programme. Students no longer sit for 35 minutes at the beginning of each day, but supported by their tutors, get moving with activities including archery, yoga and the morning mile. 

The ‘Sports Fortnight’ engages the whole school about the benefits of sport and this year had a theme of resilience.

Teachers from across subject areas also used sport and activity in their lessons for example in Science students learnt about velocity through sprinting and archery.

Leigh Churchward, Curriculum Leader of Physical Education and Director of Specialism, said: “It is amazing. We came runner-up a year ago and now to win this is a dream come true – we’ve actually made it to the pinnacle of Bucks and MK Sport. All the hard work myself and my team put in has paid off with some excellent recognition.”

leapwithus.org.uk

House Captains Breakfast 

On Tuesday 19 November, we invited the House captains from Year 7 to Year 13 to have a morning breakfast with us along with members of the Senior Leadership Team.  This was to reward them for their continual efforts in representing their Form Group/House, as well as rewarding their conduct during Remembrance Day activities. We hope the students enjoyed their breakfast and many more of these to come throughout the year. 

Thank you, The Heads of Houses and Mr Siu 

Remembrance Day 2019 

Remembrance Day is a significant and momentous occasion, that is marked every year to pay respect and honour to the soldiers that sacrificed and dedicated their lives, so that we may live ours safely and freely. 2019 marks one hundred years since the ceremonies were first held in 1919. This year we were able to pay tribute to the soldiers in an emotive and respectful service, organised and carried out by a small group of staff members with the help of a few select students and members of the community. Nevertheless, all members of our school community were active within this year's memorial, with all forms working to create pieces of art or literature to pay homage to the soldiers, that were to be presented as the Cenotaph. 

Attendees began the memorial service on the school grounds, where we listened to Year 11, Aiden, recite ‘In Times Of Peace’ by John Agard. A moving piece of poetry, that created a beautiful and respectful atmosphere among the watchers. We then listened as the prodigious Amy sing ‘Out Here On My Own’ by Irene Cara, a truly powerful and compassionate performance. Each year group alternated walking to the Cenotaph, guided by students that stood dutifully in the cold all morning. Upon reaching the Cenotaph, we were joined by members of the public such as Mr Andrew Cooper, the Chairman of the Buckingham and District Royal British Legion and Luke Lawton who paid tribute to the fallen through a graceful trumpet performance. While at the Cenotaph, we heard Mr Cooper and Headteacher, Mr McGinnes, talk about the importance of Remembrance Day, what it means to them and their own personal experiences that relate to Remembrance Day. With heads bowed, everyone present took part in an admirable moment of silence, a breath-taking sign of unity and strength.

Overall, it was a commendable Remembrance Day memorial, an immense show of honour and dignity for the soldiers that sacrificed their lives in both the first and second World War, and in every war since. We stood with the rest of the country on that patriotic day, to say never again to the violence and pain that was caused at the hands of the war. After reflecting upon the service one student said that, “It was a brilliant way to represent the School's Virtues, and remember those that fought and continue to fight for us. It was a fantastic turn out.” a statement that I believe, expresses just how impressive the event was. We should all be immensely proud of the memorials success and especially thankful to those that made the day possible. 

By Millie Flanagan

The Importance of Maths on World War II - Trip to Bletchley Park  

On Wednesday 20th November, The Buckingham School took forty-one Year 7 students to Bletchley Park to explore the importance of Maths on World War II. The students gained an insight into the importance of the work conducted at Bletchley Park, along with trying out some code breaking methods themselves. The history of Bletchley Park was thoroughly explored, and we even got to visit inside the mansion itself. The students completely enjoyed this day, and we hope they would come back to Bletchley Park in the future for further exploration. Many thanks to Mrs Hubner, Mrs Sahan and Mrs Yabsley for accompanying us on the trip. 

 Mrs Davis Thickbroom and Mr Siu, Maths Department  

Geography Update - Fieldwork Trip 

Earlier in the term, Year 11 students waded through their rivers fieldwork trip as part of their Geography GCSE. The trip involved visits to two sites to compare and observe the geomorphic processes that have shaped the river. Students carried out several tests including measuring the river profile, river flow and size and shape of stones. They will be drawing on this experience in their summer exam, although they (hopefully) won’t require 'wellies' then!

Ms Fullwood and Mrs Wilkinson

Year 7 Geography students were asked to create an Anime for homework, influenced by those created for each country for the Tokyo Olympics. The Animes had to be based on the Country's flag and reflect that country's culture.

Winners were Frankie Wootton, Lauren Mace & William Lynch.

Also, Kyle (Claydon House) produced an exceptional World War I trench.  This piece as created as homework for Enrichment. Amazing work, Kyle.   

Mrs J Wilkinson, Geography Teacher

Bikeability Training

On 2nd and 3rd December, several of our Year 7 and Year 8 students took part in Level 2 Bikeability Training. 

Over the two days, the students were out and about on the roads of Buckingham gaining valuable knowledge and experience, from the basics of how to ensure that their bike is road-worthy, to understanding right of way and what to do at junctions.

All of the students did fantastically well and the Trainers were very impressed with both their attentiveness and their intent to improve.

Congratulations to all of the students, on their successful completion of the course!

Year 9 Inspiration Day at The Buckingham School

On Thursday 5 December, Year 9 students took part in an exciting and unique Inspiration Event designed by Gaia Innovation. The event was engineered to inspire students to consider careers in automotive, engineering, technology and business enterprise and to inform them about the different pathways to access these 21st Century Jobs.

Students experienced a day of Careers Workshops, Guest Speakers, activities and many more opportunities in which to explore the skills and knowledge required to enter into different career pathways. 

The day started with Key Note Speaker, Alex Smith, MD VW Group UK. A number of interactive and engaging workshops followed, including a session on entrepreneurial activities, delivered by Dean Jones, Partnerships & Outreach Manager, Buckingham Enterprise and Innovation Unit at Buckingham University. The ideas our students produced showed that we are truly developing the next generation of entrepreneurs. There were over 40 business men and women from a variety of sectors to support the development of students' knowledge and understanding of the workplace.  The event was also aimed at getting the students thinking about what direction they would like their life to take when formal education is over.

We were very fortunate to have been given this opportunity as we are only the second school in the country to host this type of Careers Day!

Mrs S Pykett, Director of Sixth Form 

4 Nations U18 Women's International Ice Hockey Tournament

The GB U18 Ice Hockey squad were out in action recently (8-10 November) in Dumfries at the 4-Nations U18 women’s International tournament and Rhiannon, Year 10, represented GB at the tournament. 

"We started off the week with a challenge/Warm-up game against solway/ Whitley bay Women’s team. It was the first game we had played as a team, so the game was more about establishing understandings and gelling On the ice.  We all played well played well and lucky came out 7-0 winners.

The first game of the 4 Nations tournament was against Spain. They were a well disciplined and competitive team, however we played well and secured a 3-0 win.

In the second game we played Iceland. They were incredible skaters but we (GB) dug deep and were able to up our game enough to beat them 4-3.

In our final game, we were up against Poland and this was a winner takes all game with both teams having won both games.  Poland was a good side and we knew this would be that hardest of all games. So this was effectively the ‘gold medal game ‘.  After observing a minute's silence in remembrance of all fallen soldiers, both teams belted out our respective national anthems. 

Then the puck drop to start the game, the first period ended 0-0, although it was almost 0-1 but Poland had a goal disallowed ad it was after the buzzer.  The second period started at a lightening pass. Poland scored two in quick succession Making it 0-2 to Poland. Heads started to drop, then Poland had a penalty against them leaving them with four players for two minutes, GB were on a PowerPlay. 

We made it 1-2, then 2-2, with some excellent pressure moving the Polish players out of position. With this moral increasing and we started to believe we could win the game. Then we got another goal, were 3-2 up. 

Going into the third period (last period) Poland were getting frustrated and giving away lots of penalties for illegal hits, leaving them with four skaters on the ice for key periods of the last period.

We were able to take advantage of this score yet another goal to be 4-2 up. 

The final buzzer went and we were ecstatic ! We’d not only just beaten Poland for the first time in a number of years, we’d won the tournament! "

By Rhiannon Price 

World Mental Health Day was on Thursday, 10 October and this year, as a school, we supported Young Minds. With the theme #HelloYellow, instead of having a non-school uniform day, we asked students to accessorise their uniforms with something yellow, for example, a scarf or a pair of socks, hair accessories, hats, badges, feather boas...

The aim was to raise awareness of mental health in young people, encouraging students to talk about their mental health and that of others and to help reduce the stigma around mental health. A cake sale took place in the main hall at break time with proceeds raised going to Young Minds. 

A big thank you to all who supported #HelloYellow -  it was lovely to see splashes of yellow all over school while raising awareness and talking about our mental health and wellbeing.  £288 was raised for Young Minds. Thank you. https://youngminds.org.uk/  

Paula Matthews - Mental Health Lead 

STEM Update

As we come to the end of the Autumn term, it's important to celebrate a very busy STEM enrichment.  Our offering for STEM enrichment has expanded greatly this year; with three lunchtime clubs (CodeCombat, Crest Awards and STEM Films on Friday) and two after school clubs (STEM club and Engineering Club) running every week. The STEM club is even working with Buckingham Town Council to develop an App that will be freely available- learning the ins and outs of design and testing! Click here to read about this. See photo below.  

Our Design and Tech Team have been equality busy getting the first lot of Year 7 students to design and build their Race Car for the Race for the Line, the team who has the fastest car will go onto represent the School in the Regionals around Easter time. Last year we didn’t have the best car but did win an award for best design- I’m thinking this is our year with the fantastic designs I’ve seen so far. 

In addition, we’ve ran four Enrichment trips across the school, with a very notable Year 8 Science Trip (212 students!) to the British Science Museum - a massive effort by Miss Spekkens and the Science Team. 

As we are writing this edition of the Bulletin, this week sees Computer Science Week and we looking forward to sharing this with you early in the New Year. We also look forward to even more enrichment opportunities and the launch of the STEM Stars program to celebrate the success of our students in STEM.

Ms L Townes, STEM Lead 

Get up-to-date with IT 

Google Parents Evening

At the very beginning of the new academic year, A google night for Year 7 parents (as well go4schools), was held to give parents the opportunity to ask Google related questions.  Our young digital leaders were on top form, guiding our parents through some of the trickier administration tasks as well as showcasing google classroom (our extended learning platform).  A link to the Powerpoint for parents (click here) on how to use GSUITE and a taste of the way that the school is using this platform to redefine learning (transform, not just enhance).

Young Digital Leaders

With technology rapidly evolving, we need to ensure that our learners are prepared for the future, skilled and using technology (when appropriate) to redefine learning.  Students have applied to join the Young Digital Leaders scheme.  Students are training to lead, teach skills to other students, training on google certification, have showcased to parents and are now beginning to prepare to go into classes to support Google Team Teachers in delivering lessons that stretch and challenge our learners (using our pilot class set of chromebooks).   Exciting times.  (If your child is keen, there is still opportunity to join, just contact me via email). 

Mr D Osborne, Director of IT & Assistant Headteacher
dosborne@buckinghamschool.org

Go4 Schools

This our information system for parents to see how their child is progressing in school, look at positive points and if they have any negatives.  It is brilliant starting point for learning conversations.  All parents need to do is click on the link for first time user, and then use the email that they have registered to the school to see information.  You can get alerts on positives/negatives and reports can be viewed instantly they are published.  All information is explained in more detail in the attachment. 

Google Guardian

This is the system we are using share assignment information summaries, posts on information and ensure that extended learning can be tracked by parents (all using the summary page).  If you have any issues with receiving your google guardian invite, please contact me.

Mr D Osborne, Director of IT & Assistant Headteacher
dosborne@buckinghamschool.org

Careers News

The Autumn term has been fast paced regarding student progress into higher education and the world of work.  Following last term's visit by the Sixth Form to the UCAS fair at Bedford University, where over 200 universities and apprenticeship providers exhibited the opportunities available, Year 13 are now well into the university application process.  Many have already submitted their applications with one student has taken her Oxford entrance exam to read History.  Some students have already started to receive their offers particularly in respect of Law which seems a popular option this year.  For those who have decided university is not an option, they visited the Bucks Skills show for Year 11 and 13 students where over 100 local firms were able to advertise apprenticeship opportunities for students in the area.  Many of these were interactive with some students being brave enough to take on the JCB challenge.  Whilst advice is always available for students from the School's Careers Team,  Years 11 and 13 also have the opportunity of an interview with Renuka Patel, our independent careers adviser, who is able to point them in the right direction for their chosen path.

Many Sixth Form students are undertaking an enrichment programme which includes visits to many public service organisations including the fire service, police and prisons alongside the national ambulance service.  A number of students from the school follow this route so this is an invaluable opportunity for them to experience the opportunities available first hand to allow them to make an informed decision. 

Many other events are planned throughout the year with next being a visit to the Houses of parliament which will bring to life some of the course content in Law and criminology.  Later on in the year we will be running our own in house careers fair alongside participating fully in National Careers Week when all subject areas will be running lesson on career opportunities in their subject area.

Mr P Cunningham 

The Open University's Sixth Form Christmas Mathematics Lecture on 3 December 2019.

Following on from last year's successful visit, fifteen students from The Buckingham School attended The Open University's Sixth Form Christmas Mathematics Lecture on 3 December 2019.

Mathematician, musician and magician, Ben Sparks asked Buckingham School students (who were joined by others from a variety of private and state schools) to consider whether numbers were created by us or whether we are discovering eternal truth. 

Year 9 Royal institution & Open University Mathematical Masterclasses 

On Saturday mornings during October, eight year 9 students from The Buckingham School have been selected to join grammar, private and comprehensive school pupils to attend mathematical Masterclasses funded by the Royal Institution and organised with the Open University.

Meeting at Bletchley Park, the students have been learning more about "Numbers in the News" , "Maths through History" (calculus in particular) and "Tilings and Patterns" with Zoe Griffiths (Think Maths), Brigitte Stenhouse (Open University) and Professor Uwe Grimm (Open University) respectively.

The aim of the Masterclasses is to stimulate and encourage young people in the art and practice of mathematics and to develop a sense of enjoyment in the subject. For information about the Royal Institution Mathematics Masterclass national programme see http://www.rigb.org/maths

The Masterclasses form part of an exclusive and limited national programme organised under the auspices of the Royal Institution at a small number of locations around the UK - including Bletchley Park.

Mr B Waine - Assistant Curriculum Leader, Maths 

Words from MMC.  

Martial Arts Association Invitational Championships

During the Summer break, Mrs Le Tissier and Amy (Year 10) took part in the Institute of Martial Arts Association Invitational Championships tournament in Malta.

Amy won a gold medal for her weapons forms category, and a silver medal for her sparring category. Mrs Le Tissier won bronze medals in both her weapons form category and her free hand form category. On the previous day Mrs Le Tissier also completed a gruelling (and very hot!) belt grading, achieving her 1st Dan Black Belt.

Congratulations on a successful trip representing the Steeple Claydon Dal Poon Tang Soo Do Academy. Tang Soo Do is a traditional Korean martial art based on the ancient Korean kicking style of Tae Kyun. Whilst Tang Soo Do has the rituals and discipline of a traditional martial art it equips every student with effective modern self defence knowledge, techniques and capabilities. 

If you are interested in learning Tang Soo Do, training is held in the Steeple Claydon Village Hall on Thursday's 6-7.30pm.

Mrs Le Tissier

5 Star Food Hygiene Rating 

We celebrate with pride. Our Foodzone (canteen) has been awarded 5-Stars following a recent food hygiene inspection. We have an amazing catering team and this achievement demonstrates our outstanding food hygiene standards. The Foodzone has retained its 5-Star food hygiene rating for twelve years - a massive well done to Linda and her team.

Equestrian Team at the NSEA National Championships 

The Equestrian Team travelled to Addington Manor to represent The Buckingham School at the NSEA National Championships in Show Jumping on Thursday 17 October and Friday 18 October.

On the Thursday, the 85cm team were out in action up against 45 school teams. Unfortunately, we didn’t finish in the top eight and therefore did not make it into the jump off. However, the girls were fantastic!
On the Friday, the 75cm team were out in action against 36 school teams. The girls were amazing in the first round finishing in the top eight on a clean score! We went into the jump off in the evening and finished in an amazing 6th place.
All the girls competing at the Nationals had true team commitment and supported each other through it all.

Well done Lauren, Charlotte, Amy, Izzy, Libby and Amelia for your amazing effort. Your hard work in training has paid off. Thank you to all the parents and supporters over the two days, it really made a difference. We also wish to thank T King Associates and Orn International for their warm jackets - the girls looked very smart!

One very proud Team Manager. 
Louise Smith, Team Manager

U13 Girls Football County Cup

We are delighted to announce that our Girls U13 Football Team have qualified for the County Cup Semi Finals!

The team had an amazing group campaign, the girls secured 5 wins out of five matches, giving them the top position in the table. They also scored 24 goals whilst conceding only 7. The team have impressed me from day one and I look forward to seeing them continue to grow and develop.

The team will face Great Marlow in the Semi Final at Arbour Park, Slough (week beginning 10/02/2020). The girls will also be playing some friendly fixtures in the lead up to this game so keep your eyes peeled for some of our results. Well done team, lets show Great Marlow what we are all about.

Miss Collie, PE Teacher 

Rugby News

We would like to congratulate our Year 10 Boys Rugby Team for achieving a feat never seen before at The Buckingham School. 

The team was entered into The Daily Mail Cup, the premier competition for School Rugby.  Playing against Grammar school after Grammar school we battled our way to the regional semi finals, sadly to be defeated by Northampton School for Boys , a previous National winner.   Well done boys, a fantastic achievement! 

Lead The Way Leadership Conference at Stoke Mandeville Stadium 

A number of students were selected to represent The Buckingham School on Thursday 28 November for Part 2 of the Lead The Way Leadership Conference being held at Stoke Mandeville Stadium.  The conference's main focus was on leadership and how students benefit from leadership skills both in school and in the wider community.   

 Mr Churchward - Curriculum Leader for PE

Suzy (Bittersweet Music) would like to say a very big ‘well done’ to her singing students Florence Harris, Sophie Poyntz and choir member Evie Howard for singing with Buckingham Children’s Choir on Saturday at The Buckingham Christmas Light Switch On. The Buckingham School students braved the cold and performed to a crowd of hundreds in Buckingham Town Centre. 

If your child is interested in singing/guitar lessons at The Buckingham School or would like to join Buckingham Children’s Choir - contact Suzy directly via email. suzyasmith@aol.com 

See regular updates on Facebook pages too - 

Buckingham Children’s Choir
Bittersweet Music Buckingham 

Inter-House Basketball, Netball and Tag Rugby

Recent Inter-house competitions saw House groups competing across three events; Basketball, Netball and Tag Rugby. The events were created to ensure maximum participation allowing every student in each year group the ability to participate. 

The competition was fierce in the sports hall with end to end Basketball. The skills on show were reminiscent of the Harlem Globetrotters (if you don't know who they are check them out on You tube). 

On the field during our Tag Rugby event budding Jack Nowels and Jonny Mays side stepped, goose stepped and pirouetted around bewildered defenders. It was an absolute try fest. 

The Netball courts hosted a master class in Netball. Even though this sport is non contact it didn't stop clinical aggressive play being displayed. The goal shooters and goal attacks made it rain as the centres buzzed around busily in their role moving the ball and creating opportunities. 

A whole week of Inter-House events encompassing all students (Year 11 date to be confirmed after being rained off) in Key Stage 3 and 4 is something to be marvelled at. We achieved the participation levels that most schools wish they could achieve in a year.  

Well done everyone. Next term we'll do it all again with three more sports, so watch this space.

School Show - Mary Poppins JR 

"All of London is shouting from the rooftops about this exciting stage adaptation of the classic tales of Mary Poppins.  Join the Banks family as they encounter adventure after fun-filled adventure with their curious new nanny, Mary Poppins. Adapted especially for young performers, this musical includes favourite Sherman brothers songs such as “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Feed the Birds,” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” With colourful characters and an irresistible score, Mary Poppins JR. is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages!

Mary Poppins JR will be performigg from Monday 9 December for four nights. This year, we will have a large cast with some fantastic Year 7 students joining, and for the first time, our Year 10 dancers will be choreographing. We are very lucky to have Miss Forbes who is kindly making the Mary Poppins costume for the performance. Tickets will be on sale nearer the time...look out for details. 

Thames Valley Police - Schools Police Officer Newsletter

Buckingham Children’s ‘Rock & Pop’ Choir had a fabulous summer performing at several events in and around Buckingham.

The choir will be ‘popping’ up again for 6 sessions after the half term break and will be ‘revving’ up for our Christmas performances, including singing at The Christmas Light Switch On in Buckingham.

Buckingham Children’s Choir welcomes all singers (and guitarists) aged 7+

Sessions resume on Wednesday 6th November at The Centre, Verney Close, Buckingham. Time 4pm to 5:15pm

To find out more and to book a place for your child - Email suzyasmith@aol.com
and check out Buckingham Children’s Choir on Facebook.