NewsletterEaster break Half Term Newsletter

Once again it has been a really busy term with staff and students working really hard.

We have once again encountered disruption due to Covid, but everyone in the school community has shown resilience and understanding by pulling together and supporting each other throughout the term.

Attendance is a continued focus for us at Meden School and the Department of Education and we have written to all families regarding the importance of attendance. The partnership between school and home is fundamental in ensuring our young people fulfill their potential both academically and personally. We do fully appreciate that Covid has impacted  attendance for most students in some way or another, however with the summer term approaching and with the disruption Covid has caused, we are hoping that students’ attendance will now grow and we would like to support our families in achieving this.  

Out side of lessons , it has been great to see our students get involved in some of the many causes that consider others; International Women's Day, The White Ribbon campaign, Anti-bullying Alliance, Red Nose Day and of course Support for Ukrainian Refugees. It just goes to prove what a kind and caring community we belong to.  A great example of this was the donations received in support of the refugees fleeing from the war in Ukraine. Our non-uniform day  saw students and staff sport the colours of the Ukrainian flag - blue and yellow. As a school we raised £928, which is amazing! Many thanks to everyone. I know this money will be used effectively to support the people of Ukraine.  

During April and May we will be launching our ‘Meden Matters’ programme, where we will be listening to all our stake holders; students, parents/carers, the local community and staff. This is a key part of our school action plan in order to make Meden School an even better place to learn and work. I hope this is something you will engage with. As I said previously, the partnership between school and home is a key factor in our students being the best they can be. I want Meden to be an open and outward facing school which listens to its stakeholders. We will confirm all dates and times after the Easter break.   

I am really proud to announce that Meden School is oversubscribed for the first time in its history and this is down to all the hard work of our community, staff, students and parents/carers. It’s clear that Meden School is the school of choice locally!  Transition information will be sent out soon to all those who have secured a school place in Y7 from September.

Finally at the end of each term it is always sad to say our goodbyes to staff who leave us. This term is no exception as we say goodbye to Miss Knight (Head of Business & Computing), Miss Coleman (SENCO) and Mr Spencer (Science Technician) who have all secured promotions in their relative fields.

We wish them all good luck in their new roles and send thanks for all the hard work they have given during their time at Meden School.

I’m also please to announce that Miss Hickinbotham will take up the role of Assistant Headteacher of Inclusion and Diversity from next term. Congratulations to her. I know she will be a success and support students with SEND effectively.  

I hope you have a great Easter break, spend time with your loved ones and hopefully eat a Easter egg or two! 

Best wishes  

 

We started our, '100 school days left until the exam' countdown on Monday 22nd November 2021. 

Our Y11 students have made us all feel so proud of what they have achieved during this time.

They have shown a strong commitment to ensuring they do everything they can to secure the best grades possible. Some have attended extra English intervention, others have taken part in the IMPRESS revision programme, and all enjoyed a motivational morning session with David Hyner - Rhino man!

As well as working hard for their exams, the students have attended careers and college interviews, showing a wonderful level of confidence and maturity in choosing their next steps.

To ensure our students maintain the momentum in preparing themselves for these pivotal exams, they were given a revision pack to complete over the Easter break. However, it is vital that they also spend time relaxing and enjoying themselves - it is all about balance! 

When we return on the 19th April, there will be only 19 school days left until the final exams commence and we know that they will be more dedicated than ever and will be successful in rising to the challenges of the final two months of their school education.

They are our Meden Rhinos and we could not be prouder of them.

 

 

Our college students led our efforts to raise money this half term, for both the refugees of Ukraine and also Red Nose Day.

We have all been horrified by the events of the war between Russia and the Ukraine and the horrific effects this has had on innocent refugees. So much so that our school community were keen to help in any way they can.

On Wednesday 16th March we support the efforts to raise money for the Ukranian refugees by having a non uniform day and encouraging staff and students to wear yellow and blue.

We were overwhelmed by the support from our school community and proud to have raised £928 - Thank you all!

Friday 18th March was Red Nose Day and the Meden College Council organised some events to raise money. The bake sale proved very popular and raised a massive £163. Thank you to all those who contributed.

Students also took part in 'design your red nose' and stick the nose on the teacher for fun, the winners of which received a prize.

Thank you all for your kindness and support. Even the smallest donation makes a massive difference .

The Year 7 Art students all took part in a single lesson dedicated to looking  at sunflowers as a theme for Art.

We linked it to the Van Gogh work they are currently doing in class and discussed how the sunflower is Ukraine's national flower.

Students then produced their own expressive watercolour sunflower, based on the work of Jane Betteridge, using salt and cling film to create textures within their watercolour,  something they have not tried before.

All students embraced the experimental techniques. We displayed them as a collective to demonstrate our support for the Ukraine. 

 

 

 

 

We are very pleased to announce that we are now an Anti-bullying Alliance School.

Alongside the work we have been doing with the Anti-bullying Alliance, we have developed our own team of Anti-Bullying Ambassadors in school.

There are 12 ambassadors in total , representing every year group in school and they have such an important job in ensuring that, as a school, we are promoting Anti-Bullying.

One of the first tasks that we have embarked upon is writing our own Anti-Bullying Guide and setting up peer support sessions at lunch times.

Both of these initiatives are really important in helping students to understand where they can get support and what to do if they are concerned about bullying in any way.

 

 

White Ribbon is a leading charity that is ending men's violence against women by engaging with men and boys to make a stand against violence. By raising awareness and encouraging people not to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women, they hope to collectively take action and change behaviour.

Individuals and organisations are being encouraged to show their support for this movement in different ways, and we are extremely proud that Meden School has been awarded 'White Ribbon Accreditation' for it's part in raising  awareness of 'Male Violence against Women.' 

Our pupils have been learning about the importance of this issue and how to raise awareness to prevent violence before it starts. They feel very strongly about making a difference for future generations. Y7 student Lesedi said: "It is important to stand together to end violence against women, because by doing so we give all women the power to stand up for themselves.”

His friend Daniel agreed. "As a male, it is important to understand about violence against women and let women know that there are men out there that they can get support from and talk to that want to help end violence.”

Leighton said: "It is important to stand up against violence to women because they need respecting. I want my mum and my sister to live in a violence-free world, which is why I am supporting the White Ribbon campaign with my school.”

Miss Hickinbotham, Assistant Headteacher at  Meden School is driving the campaign within the community. She would like others to join in and support this worthwhile charity. "We would welcome, encourage and ask that all members of the community support us in our work to raise awareness by going to www.whiteribbon.org.uk and signing up to becoming a White Ribbon Ambassador and make the promise to work with us to end male violence to women.

Meden School continue to be supported by the Mental Health Support Team.

Otherwise referred to as 'The Trailblazers,' Meden School are incredibly fortunate to have the help of the MHST who support many children with their mental health.

We frequently share information from them via our school website and twitter page.

Any students who are struggling with their wellbeing are welcome to refer themselves into the MHST, or can gain support from their Head of Year in completing a referral.

Mental Health Suport Team Parent Newsletter

What an honour it was to see one of our students be presented with a Courage Award from the Mansfield Rotary club at their annual celebration.

Kaelan Emery who was nominated  by Kim Hickinbotham, Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion and Diversity after his dad,  Ross was diagnosed with cancer.  Despite having to cope with the huge turmoil caused by his dad's diagnosis, the 16-year-old, of Spion Kop, who plays rugby for Meden Vale,  has continued to work extremely hard during his final exam  year.

Kim Hickinbotham, Head of Year, said: “Kaelan is very close to his dad and has understandably struggled to come to terms with it. Despite this, he attends school and puts 100 per cent into all his studies. He never gives up even though inside he might often feel like it. Kaelan is always mature, kind to others and caring — and always puts others before himself. Kaelan is a great person.” Kaelan’s favourite subjects at school are sport and engineering because they are practical based. In the future he is aiming for career in engineering or aerospace.

In celebration, Kaelan spent the afternoon with his family at Portland College accepting his award. 

Congratulations to James Y10 who recently earned the title 'East Midlands Flyweight Champion'.

James, a keen boxer,  has worked so hard for the title and was so proud to receive the title and belt being crowned East Midlands Flyweight Champion., even wearing his belt to school so we could share in his success.

Well done to James - we are so proud of you and your amazing achievement. It just shows what can be achieved with high aspirations, hard work and determination!

The year 7 Enrichment Programme continues to offer students  the opportunity to experience activities beyond the national curriculum. Student’s in the Eco Warriors group have been writing letters to post to Prime Minister, Boris Johnson about their concerns of plastic pollution and the need for more to be done.

Students at Meden School have a voice, and we want to give them the opportunity to share their voice to make an difference and try to effect future change.  

Letter written to Boris

 

 

 

8th March was International Women's Day and Meden School celebrated by talking about inspirational women past and present.

Throughout the week in tutorial, there was a serious of videos and activities for students to participate in, that promoted this year's theme of   #breakthebias. 

As part of this, students were given the opportunity to enter a prize winning contest by writing a speech on either of the following topics:

Who is your inspirational woman and why? OR   What does international women's day means to you?

Many student entered but there was one that stood out from the rest. Eva in Y7 wrote the following:

 

Who’s your biggest inspiration?

My mum will always be my biggest inspiration, my parents divorced when I was in year three which meant my mum was raising three kids all on her own. My mum works three jobs to support me and my siblings to buy us lovely things and take-aways, I will always feel like I can talk to my mum about everything and she listens like no-one else will. My mum got a boyfriend who soon got the new title of my stepdad, at first, he was very nice but once he started to create a problem with me, my mum and him broke up. My mum can always make me feel better and can make me laugh like no one else can, my mum is always a place that I will feel welcome to be whoever I want to be. It’s not often I hear anyone praise my mum for her hard work, and she deserves more credit in my opinion. In some ways she taught me everything I know, and has supported me every step of the way, and was always here for me when I needed her. I wouldn’t be who I am today without her. She always will be the one person I feel most close to. We are alike in so many ways, she is a role-model, a friend and a person I will always be able to look up to. Even when I am an adult, I couldn’t imagine my life without her. She is everything I aspire to be and more, my mum is my biggest inspiration Ava 7A

To celebrate Careers and Aspirations week,  Meden students attended a number of related workshops to get them thinking about their plans for the future. 

Students in all year groups were involved in the week and were able to join in sessions about the future of work,  data in our lives and small group sessions delivered by  NTU (Nottingham Trent University) .

Year 11 students continue to have careers interviews in school to support them with next steps.

Please contact school with any questions or concerns,

 

Congratulations to our students for working so hard on their ATL this half term.

To follow tradition, we held a number of rewards events for students receiving both Top ATL awards and Most Improved ATL.

Students in each year group received prizes during their Achievement Assemblies, small groups were treated to a film afternoon reward and then a small group of students had a Dominos Pizza Lunch with their HOY and Mr Smith.

Congratulations to all students. ATL reports will be uploaded to MCAS soon.

 

GCSE Pod is an award winning digital publisher that Meden School have been working with over the last academic year.

Students each have a GCSE POD account which allows them to complete extra study outside of the classroom to promote their academic progress. This equates to  A LOT of extra school days worth of study.

Meden School are excited to announce that their students have achieved an award for streaming and downloading over 25,000 pods which is phenomenal.

Well done to all students involved!

It is approaching one of the most exciting times of the year when we welcome our prospective year 7 students through our doors and for the first time ever Meden School are oversubscribed for y7 admissions.

Students and their families who have secured a place are urged to accept this with the local authority asap to ensure their space is confirmed. If you have already done this, thank you!

Transition events are about to begin, Year 6 transition will be on Monday 4th July with the parents event being 7th July 2022.  There will also be a uniform fitting event (date to be confirmed)

All Primary schools will be given the opportunity to participate in additional transition activities over the coming months to prepare students for moving to Meden, however if you do have any specific requests then please contact Miss Hickinbotham ob  khickinbotham@medenschool.co.uk

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new SENCO at Meden School and thank you all for the kind welcome to the role so far.

Whilst I am not new to Meden School, I am new to the role and therefore excited to embark on this journey of offering support and guidance to all of the young people in particular, those with additional needs.

Please feel free to get in contact via Khickinbotham@medenschool.co.uk

Let me introduce you to Miss Walker joined us recently as our new full time school counsellor.

 

The role of the PTA has the following purpose:

• to help the school communicate more effectively with our families,
• to enhance its reputation within the community
• to support the school in a variety of ways.

The PTA is the heart of the school community here at Meden School.

We are looking for additional members, anyone interested contact Khickinbotham@medenschool.co.uk