As another academic year comes to an end, I would like to say an enormous thank you for your ongoing support. As in the last two years, we have all faced many challenges both in school and at home, yet we have received many messages of thanks, support and good wishes from members of the community, and these always mean a great deal to everyone at the school.
At the end of an academic year it is important that we reflect on the successes the year has brought. Our awards evening was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate students who have shown excellent attitude to learning through the year. It was a great evening, full of both celebration and reflection. There were many remarkable individual student successes this year, but I am even more amazed by what can be achieved when the study body comes together as a whole; this year has been no exception.
Meden Prom is the highlight of every year for our year 11 students and staff. It felt amazing to once again be able to hold this event, off site, at the John Fretwell Centre. Students enjoyed every minute of the evening, many of them letting their hair down and celebrating the end of exams with their friends. They all looked amazing and did themselves proud on such a wonderful occasion. We wish them all the best for the future and look forward to seeing many of them return to Meden College this September.
It is always great to see all our new Y7s during our transition days and to welcome them into the Meden Community. They were incredibly enthusiastic during all activities and lessons, and demonstrated an excellent attitude to learning. We can't wait to see them all in September in their new uniform and hear about their summer adventures.
This year, we must also sadly say goodbye to the following members of staff: Mrs Garlick (Head of PE & Y8), Mr Wraith (Maths Teacher), Miss Coe (Maths Teacher), Mrs Corns (Science Teacher & Deputy Head of College), Miss Johnson (Science Teacher), Mr Currie (Science teacher), Miss Walker (Counsellor), & Mrs Hopkin (Teaching Assistant). We greatly thank them all for their hard work and contributions to the community at Meden School and wish them every success and happiness for the future.
As we are oversubscribed for the first time in the school's history, we have also had to expand our staff team at Meden. We are looking forward to welcoming the following staff to the Meden community in September: Mr Hamer (Head of PE), Mr McDermid (Humanities Teacher), Mr Knox (Business Studies Teacher), Miss Holmes (Head of KS3 Science), Mr Cheetham (Science Teacher), Mr Hill (Head of Biology & Careers Lead), Mrs Bolsover (Deputy Curriculum Lead of D&T), Mrs Glassby (Curriculum Leader MFL), Mr Collins (English Teacher), Miss Gigg (Maths Teacher), Miss Clarke (PE Teacher), Mr Buxton (Head of Year & PE Teacher).
At Meden, we are extremely proud of our students. Despite facing many challenges both in and out of school, they have continued to conduct themselves with determination, understanding, and respect. Their unwavering dedication to working hard and being kind cannot be overstated and I thank each and every member of our school community for their continued commitment, support, and care.
I wish you all a lovely summer break and I hope you are able to spend some quality time with loved ones.
I look forward to seeing everyone back at school in September for another fantastic year at Meden.
Mr Smith
Headteacher
On Wednesday 20th July , Meden School Hall was transformed to hold our Achievement Awards Ceremony. Students from years 7-10 were recognised for their outstanding attitude to learning (ATL) in their subjects, recieving a personalised trophy and certificate to commemorate their achievements. Individuals from each subject received a Subject Winners trophy which will displayed in school, complete with their details.
On arrival, families were welcomed with musical performances from some of our talented Meden Musicians which created a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. Students also entertained us during a brief interval half way through.
We were honored to be joined by legendary footballer, John McGovern, who is most famous for captaining the Nottingham Forest side that won the European Cup twice under the management of Brian Clough and Peter Taylor. John was our guest speaker for the evening and captivated us all with his recollection of his time with Nottingham Forest, his dedication to the game and the incredible comradery between the team players. He then presented the awards alongside the Curriculum Leader for each subject, giving each of the winners a signed picture to keep.
The evening was a huge success and it was wonderful to finally be able to celebrate the achievements of our students in this way. Well done to all our award winners, we know your families were just as proud as us to see you receive recognition for all your hard work.
After months of hard work, it is always wonderful to be able to celebrate with both our Year 11 and Year 13 students.
Students have put an enormous amount of effort in to their coursework and with the support of staff have prepared thoroughly for sitting exams. As is customary, students were treated to dominoes pizza and ice cream during their final week at Meden. Year 13 students enjoyed an informal awards ceremony and a leavers assembly with a video showing the highlights of their time as a student at Meden.
Year 11 students also enjoyed a leavers assembly with dominoes pizza, but by far the highlight for them was their prom
This year the students were lucky enough to be able to celebrate their prom at The John Fretwell Centre, and enjoyed a fabulous evening of great food, great company and dancing the night away.
Details of Results Day are
Good luck to all students collecting their results. If you are looking to register for A Level courses at Meden, details will be available on the day of how you enroll.
On the 4th and 5th July, we welcomed our new Year 7 students who will join us in September.
The students who join us from 18 different primary schools, had a fun filled couple of days enjoying what it means to be a student at Meden.
Their timetable included a taste of real lessons, such as Maths, English, Science and also some fun sporting events to give the students to get to know one another. They even got the chance to taste the dinners in the cafeteria.
Here are some examples of the wonderful art work the students completed. They were introduced to an artist called Abby Diamond and produced some lovely expressive watercolour studies based on insects.
Students needing extra support have been able to sign up for further visits, to ensure the transition to Meden is a successful one. We all appreciate that moving to secondary school is a big change but we have an excellent support network and we will do everything we can to support all students.
Back to school details are available on our website. Return to September details
Friday 2nd September is Y7 students only. All students should attend in full Meden Uniform. We look forward to seeing you.
Miss Wild and Mr Byrne were proud to accompany 2 of our special students to receive an award from Warsop Probus Club.
Each year, local schools are invited to nominate students to receive a special recognition award from the club. The Bradley Award – named after the club’s first president, is not aimed at academic success but, instead, aims to reward students who excel in personal growth and contribute to the school in other ways.
This year’s presentation was held at The Plough Inn, on Church Street, Warsop. Year 7 pupil Paige, who was accompanied by teacher Warren Byrne, was recognised for her ‘dedication to the school and her support for other students’.
Annabelle, in Y10, joined by teacher Charlotte Wild, was honoured for her 'ability to help other students excel’ and ‘consistent support of fellow peers.'
Councillor Ben Bradley, who presented the awards, said: “The girls were pleasant and charming. I am very impressed with the students. They really enjoyed it."
Pride Club have helped to design a mural on tolerance, inclusivity and diversity to go in the quad! They have worked with an external artist to design each wall and practice artistic methods.
The club spent a lot of time deciding on the design and the best place to site their colourful design, and I think you will agree it looks amazing!
BEFORE AFTER
McDonald's Franchise owner Jaqui, and Business Manager Jonothan, visited Meden School recently.
During their visit, they showed our Student Leaders how to plan events and run effective meetings! They also gave the student a great insight in how to run a successful business.
Following the advice given, students then both planned and organised a fund raising charity event to raise money for the Lashes Foundation, a cause that is very close to our hearts. The bake sale and Lashes merchandise sale was well attended and helped to raise just over £600 in total.
Thank you to the McDonalds franchise managers for giving our Student Leaders the skills that proved beneficial in running the event and for those who contributed by sending in cakes, thank you for your support!
The recent non uniform day, held on the last day of term, raised a further £250 which will also be given to help the Lashes Foundation.
Stand Against Violence is a charity focused on educating young people about the consequences of violence.
We were excited to welcome the group in to school to talk to students in all year groups.
Using the real story of a young man murdered in an unprovoked attack; a split second decision and lifetime's legacy portrayed through the eyes of those involved, the sessions enable pupils to explore the real cost of violence.
Why do students need this type of session? The facts about violence taken from the website.
Each year, 1.4 million people worldwide lose their lives to violence. For every person who dies as a result of violence, many more are injured and suffer from a range of physical, sexual, reproductive and mental health problems. (WHO, 2020)
Violent crime has risen by 19% and knife crime by 17% since 2017; the highest level for more than five years with young people below the age of 26 years most likely to be a victim or perpetrator. Each one of these incidences has the potential for life changing consequences, resulting in serious injury or death, the impact of grief on families and friends as well as destroyed futures of the perpetrators.
Early childhood enrichment programmes (3-5 yrs), life skills training and social development (6-18 yrs), and supporting high-risk adolescents to fulfill their education and goals are effective ways to end violence.
At Meden School our aim is not just to educate our children academically, but more importantly to teach them about life, the potential dangers and how to stay safe. For more information on the programme visit www.standagainstviolence.co.uk
A level Geography students have enjoyed a week of sunshine on the south coast, whilst collecting data for their A level coursework.
What promised to be a fun filled 'educational' visit, didn't disappoint and offered students an amazing opportunity to visit different places and collect all of the samples they may need to complete their coursework.
The weather couldn't have been any better.
Day 1 was focused on how tourism has impacted Lulworth and a quick visit to Durdle Door
The following day the morning was spent in Weymouth exploring how the sense of place has changed over time and the impacts of tourism, with an evening visit to Man o War for a paddle.
Day 3 consisted of sand dune transects (a bit of biology and geography) and then a hike to see Old Harry Rocks and lunch on the beach
On the final day, students enjoyed a bit of crabbing before a very competitive game of rounders.
What a great trip and a fantastic opportunity for our Meden College students
Proud! Congratulations to Keith Farnworth, a member of the Meden School Support Team.
Keith has been awarded The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for his voluntary work with Nottinghamshire Search & Rescue Team (NSART). What an amazing achievement - a true inspiration!
What a pleasure to welcome Denis Coleman into school to deliver a performance around Mental Health, Body Image / Cyber Bullying.
Pop singer Denis, who is best recognized for his popular singles "You" and "Radio." is also a frequent supporting act for the band The Vamps. He first started playing music at the age of four and began writing his own music at the age of ten.
When he was around 15 – a close friend of his went through a period of struggling with his mental health. This kick started Denis’s commitment to tackling mental illness.
He soon started working with a charity called The Power of Musik, which go into schools and talk about mental health. After working with them, he did a series of independent talks and has continued to do so ever since.
Meden Students loved the experience from this very talented and inspirational young man. Many thanks!
Meden School
Train to teach with the Nottinghamshire Torch SCITT