As we approach the end of the year and the Christmas break, I want to thank you for your support over the school year so far. Reading through the stories in our newsletter is a wonderful reminder of some of the amazing things that happen at Meden School on a weekly basis.
This year has been a busy one and there have been so many achievements both individually, and as a whole school. Receiving the Nova Education Trust Award for Student Engagement was a real honour, as we were recognised as having the most engaged students in the whole trust of 17 schools! This is a huge achievement for our school community, and reflects the hard work of our students and the dedication of our staff to excellent teaching, every lesson, every day.
All our students have been working hard in their lessons and fully accessing our extensive extra-curricular enrichment programme, which continues to be very popular. I have been particularly impressed by Year 11 and Year 13 students who are demonstrating great dedication and resilience in their preparation for their final examinations in the summer. We will continue to support them in every way possible, to ensure they are fully prepared and confident. As a school we hope to build on last year’s amazing GCSE and A Level results, for which were well above the national average and within the top ten of schools in the whole of Nottinghamshire, something we continue to be very proud of.
Year 7 have made an extremely positive start to their time at Meden; it is great to see so many Golden Tickets and ATL points being awarded by their teachers because they show the positive impact they are having both in and out of lessons
The school’s contribution to Remembrance Day was once again a great source of pride. At the front of school, 122 Poppies were displayed, all made by our students and each one representing a Warsop resident who sadly lost their life in service. To complement these, a stunning mural and clay poppies which our students produced as part of their art lessons were displayed. Remembrance Day is such a community event in Warsop and I cannot describe how proud I was to see the Student Leadership Team and many other students, some in uniform, playing an active role in the Remembrance Parade.
Charity and helping others is something very close to our hearts at Meden School. Our students continue to organise fund raising events and the support we receive from members of our school community is truly humbling and inspiring. So far this academic year, we have raised over £2500! We cannot thank you all enough. Our Christmas Food Bank Appeal was an incredible success and a huge amount of food was collected and donated for the Life Spring Church Food Bank. They were "blown away” by our support and donations, that will help so many families in the local area. More information available in a Chad feature: CLICK HERE
Meden school is fortunate to have many talented musicians who look forward to Christmas time and the opportunity to perform in front of an audience filled with their family and friends. This year's Christmas Concert was brilliant. It was great to see so many of you enjoying the festivities. Well done to Mrs Archdale and all the students who performed.
Please access the following links and listen to Julia Major, Bliss Farrar and Kaylee Hymas performing some festive tunes especially for you. They are all very talented musicians and it will help you get into the festive spirit.
Julia Major playing 'Angel in the realms of glory': CLICK HERE
Bliss Farrar singing 'Child in Bethlehem': CLICK HERE
Kaylee Hymas singing 'Silent Night ': CLICK HERE
Finally thank you to all parents and carers who continue to work in partnership with the school, to support our young people in achieving their full potential.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Meden School.
On Thursday 30th November, representatives from Meden School attended the Nova Education Trust Transformational Awards Event. This event was designed to showcase and celebrate schools within the Trust for how they improve and transform the lives of young people and those connected with our communities.
It was a wonderful night of celebration with stories of some amazing initiatives developed by schools across the Trust.
As a school, Meden was nominated for several awards but we were delighted to be awarded the Pupil Engagement Award and here are the reasons why.
PUPIL ENGAGEMENT AWARD - MEDEN SCHOOL
"At this school pupil voice is at the heart of decision making. Positive student voice surveys have led this school to being accredited for national awards which include the Alliance Anti-Bullying award.
The school hosts talk assemblies, where pupil voice forms a large part of the topics discussed. Student leaders and tutor captains meet regularly to discuss issues that matter to the wider student body.
The school’s enrichment programme offers pupils the opportunity to explore hidden talents that go beyond the learning of the classroom. With new clubs established including football, hockey, science, pride, book club, debate club and the environmental green club.
The enrichment programme is non-compulsory and yet is well attended because it has been tailored to meet the needs and interests of all pupils.
Some examples include an increased uptake in the Duke of Edinburgh award, the 'girls do sport' initiative which led to a new football team being created in the local community, and student representation at community events such as the annual remembrance parade where pupils recited poetry, pupil visits to the local elderly residents’ home to strengthen community ties, and the school carol concert.
This is a school that is the go-to school in its local area. Parents and carers told Ofsted Inspectors that the school has high expectations for their children and that teachers listen to their opinions. The inspectors found that pupils are engaged in their learning and are provided with a wealth of opportunities."
Congratulations to everyone at Meden School, we are so very proud!
It is always a great pleasure to celebrate those students who have amazing ATL scores and those students who have worked so hard to improve their score since the last collection point.
Students enjoyed rewards in the form of a trip to Laser Quest & McDonalds and an ATL Movie Afternoon.
Well done to all the students involved. It is wonderful to keep seeing so many different names!
Meden School always makes an extra special effort to remember all those people and animals lost in combat, and this year the display outside of school was once again spectacular.
Students belonging to the Cadets, Scouts, or Guides wore their uniforms to school with pride.
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A 2 minute silence was held in school and Mr Streets, Operations & Admin Support Manager, played The Last Post on his cornet - a very poignant moment.
REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE
Outside of school many of our students and their families joined the Remembrance Day Parade, either as participants or spectators, and the whole of Warsop came to pay their respects. Members of our Student Ambassadors laid a wreath on behalf at everyone at Meden School.
It is always such an honour to be part of such a widespread community effort. Warsop is renown for being one of the most spectacularly decorated places where so many community members join together with such compassion and pride.
Well done Warsop!
Our Meden Forest School goes from strength to strength. So much so that we were featured recently in the local news, even making on to the BBC East Midland Today.
FOREST SCHOOL SHELTER
We were delighted to be able to finally use our purpose built Forest School shelter and it is amazing!! This allows students to continue activities even when the weather is against us.
Student this half term have been learning have to carve using simple tools as well as how to light a fire using flint.
Once lit students enjoyed marshmallows, popcorn and hot chocolate over their camp fire.
Forest School is utilised by students in all year groups and helps to promote confidence and resilience whilst challenging students outside of the classroom.
When we launched the Christmas Card Competition in November, we did not expect to receive the number of entries we did,
Every year we run the competition in search of a design which we then use as our Meden School Official Christmas Card.
Students clearly put a lot of effort in to their design, taking in to consideration the audience to which the card would be delivered.
Well done to all the students who entered the competition. If you haven't yet collected your certificate, then please see Mrs Coulson in the Finance Office.
SPANISH CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION
Alongside the school competition students studying Spanish were asked to design a Spanish Themed Christmas Card.
Congratulations to Will, Enya and Cohan for their winning entries.
Well done to Chanley, Jay, Isabella and Sydney for coming runners up with your designs.
Students joining the Science Club this half term as part of their enrichment have enjoyed a plethora of different animal experiences, thank you to White Post Farm, who have introduced a different type of animal every single week.
Participant have enjoyed learning about the different animals, how to handle them safely, and how to care for them.
RABBITS
GUINEA PIGS
SNAKES
GERBILS & MICE
REPTILES
INVERTEBRATES
A big thank you to White Post Farm for taking the time to come and talk to our students. They have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and so have staff!
KS3 ART CLUB
There is always something wonderful going on in the KS3 Art Club.
Following the success of the Spooky Creations, student have been working hard to make Christmas Baubles. The look absolutely amazing don't you think?
PE CLUBS
Students continue to be highly committed to the PE Enrichment and hey have become extremely popular.
Netball Club – 12 students every week, mainly Y7 who have upcoming fixtures in 2024 and should be a really good team!
Football Club – 40-50 students attending each week! Big shout out to Mr Buxton who leads this every week.
Fitness club - There is 10-20 regular attendees every Monday/Tuesday, all making use of the equipment and machines.
WHAT IS ON OFFER?
Any changes to this programme will be communicated in the new year. Remember, sessions are not compulsory but promise to be lots of fun!
MATILDA JUNIOR
Rehearsals are continuing for our school production Matilda Junior and the main parts have been cast. Here is a reminder of the rehearsal schedule up until February Half term:
Sporting Highlights of the Academic Year so far...
As a relatively small school we often find ourselves in competition with schools that are twice (or more) the size of us but this doesn't deter our students who always put 100% into everything they do. We are immensely proud!
YEAR 7 HIGHLIGHTS
Football (11 a-side) – Reached the Quarter Finals v All Saints. Key result was a 5-1 win away at Sutton.
Key performance - Billy Spiers scored a hat-trick.
Football (7 a-side) - Meden won Pool A and will play in the "finals day" in March.
Key performance - Kai Cooper man of the tournament.
Cross Country – Mansfield and Ashfield Cross Country Championships.
Key performance – Finley H (who finished 1st overall), Kai Cooper, Halleluyah D, Scarlett Pugh (who finished 5th overall) and Ava C have all qualified for the regional race.
Year 7/8 mixed
Girls Football – finished second and was unbeaten against 5 other teams
Key performance – Isla Scott, Alexia Kelly and Indi Twinn with standout performances
YEAR 8 HIGHLIGHTS
Football (11 a-side) – Qualified for the Semi Finals v Brunts or Jo Whit. We are one game away from playing at the One Call Stadium. On the road to the semis we have had stand out wins against 2 local rivals of ours: 5-2 v Dukeries and 5-1 v Garibaldi.
Key performance – all the squad deserve a mention - Lathi Szibi, Oliver Ellis, Alfie Eames, Alfie Drury, James Ballinger, Bari Jazari, Jake Simpson, Kody Clarke, Ethan Hurst, Lucas Lee, Seth Adams, Brandon W
Netball – Mid Table finish against some strong teams
Key performance – Alexia Kelly being drafting in at the last minute and performing brilliantly.
Cross Country – Mansfield and Ashfield Cross Country Championships.
Key performance – Alexia Kelly, James Rock (who finished 4th overall) and James Ballinger (with a broken toe) have all qualified for the regional race.
YEAR 9 HIGHLIGHTS
Football (11 a-side) – The team lost in the first round, but lost to the team that was the national semi-finalists last year (Ashfield).
Key performance – Leighton Randall solid at the back and Charlie Jackson with a thunderbolt into the top corner. Leyland Pearson also scored one from outside the area!
Football (7 a-side) - Won 6-2 v Ashfield
Key performance – Miles Fryer who scored a hat-trick
Netball – The squad were unbeaten with 2 wins and 1 draw
Key performance – Alexia Callanan brilliant shooting and great defending from Victory Ero-Iyamu
Cross Country – Mansfield and Ashfield Cross Country Championships.
Key performance – Erin Broughton and Rio B who have both qualified for the regional race.
YEAR 9/10 MIXED HIGHLIGHTS
Girls Football – Joint 2nd place in the tournament
Key performance – Brilliant defending from Lexi Pringle, Faith Wheatman and Lily Matthews.
It was Lexi Ward's first ever football match and she was amazing!
Erika Proud was class as always!
Girls Basketball – 38 -12 win v Sutton
Key performance – Amy G and Faith Naulumatua with brilliant performances.
YEAR 10 HIGHLIGHTS
Football (11 a-side) – The team qualified for the quarter finals v Dukeries which will take place in January.
Due to their opponents dropping out last minute, no match was played.
YEAR 11 HIGHLIGHTS
Football (11 a-side) – The team qualified for the quarter finals. Big win in the local Derby v Manor when the team won 2-1 to get through.
Key performance – Kaylan Cooke with the winning goal.
Football “B” Team (7 a-side) – The team finished in 6th place but played hard.
Key performance – Rhys Robinson with a great defensive display!
Netball – The team unfortunately lost in the semi’s after a great performance and after winning their group.
Key performance – Grace O'Connor with a brilliant performance.
Wendji Tjaera taking part having only been at the school a few days, and hats off to Tyler Hall the greatest GS in Mansfield.
Cross Country – Mansfield and Ashfield Cross Country Championships.
Key performance – Kaitlyn Storey (who finished 2nd overall).
Edward Ryder, Kempton Pothecary, and Harley Broadley all qualified for the regional race.
SPORTS RECOGNITION AWARDS NOMINATIONS
5 of our talented Meden Students were nominated for this year's Sports Award and were invited to attend the awards evening in December. It would have been lovely to win but it was not our night. Here are details of the students and details of their nominations.
Coverage of the event by Mansfield Chad
There has been so much work this half term in the pursuit of being charitable and helping others. Despite being quite a deprived area itself, you can always depend on the community of Warsop and surrounding areas to dig deep to help people less fortunate.
CHILDREN IN NEED
Students from Meden supported Children in Need this year with several events. A traditional non-uniform donation day and a bake sale were the main highlights. Families donated some wonderful cakes and unsurprisingly, they sold out very quickly. In addition to the bake sale, students had the opportunity to name the bear and to compete in the burpee challenge. It was a great day and we managed to raise a staggering £701.30!
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Students invited their family and friends and members of the community to their Christmas Concert - A Merry Meden Christmas.
Originally planned to be held in the church, the venue was moved to Meden School to accomodate the large number of students wishing to take part. With hot drinks and mince pies in the interval, everyone enjoyed a festive treat.
SERVING CHRISTMAS LUNCH
When members of our student ambassadors were offered the opportunity to help out at The Oaklands Complex, serving Christmas lunch to all the residents, they simply jumped at the chance. Working their socks off, our Meden students did us proud and helped to serve a delicious hot lunch to the hungry residents.
Supported by staff members Mrs Ashley and Mrs Hague the students had a really good time and even got to sample the food for themselves. A very rewarding experience was enjoyed by all and the residents really appreciated the help!
FOOD BANK APPEAL
Every Christmas time we ask our community to help us collect food and other items for our local food bank. So many families are struggling in the financial crisis themselves but that never deters them from putting their hand in their pocket or raiding their own food cupboard to help anyone who needs it.
We were once again overwhelmed with the number of donations received and cannot thank you all enough for the continued support you give to us each and every time.
Please know that your help and support will go to such a worthwhile cause.
If you, yourself, or someone you know needs extra support this Christmas or at any time, please do not be embarrassed, simply get in touch with your nearest food bank. They are there to help you!
Warsop Community Foodbank
Monday, Wednesday, Friday Morning
07394914909
see https://www.vibrantwarsop.org/ for more details
We all know how important effective communication is to the successful running of any organisation, and at Meden School, this is an area we are keen to get right.
Having listened to comments from our parents, we feel it is important to clarify our commitment to you and what you can expect from us when you contact school with a query or concern.
WHAT DO WE COMMUNICATE & HOW YOU WILL RECEIVE THIS COMMUNICATION??
Whenever we want to send our Parents/Carers a letter, we will always send both an email and a follow up text message, so it is essential that we have the correct details for you. We will also upload important letters to our website. If you require a paper copy of a letter, please contact office@medenschool.co.uk or ask your child to collect one from the Finance Office.
If you are not currently receiving emails or text messages then you can do the following:
If you are having difficulties setting up your MCAS app, please contact Mr Bonsall for assistance: hbonsall@medenschool.co.uk
WHO IS THE BEST PERSON TO CONTACT??
As the school grows, we acknowledge that at the busiest times of day, it can be harder to reach us and this can be very frustrating. Sometimes it is difficult to know who you need to talk to so here is some guidance.
We will always aim to get back to you ASAP but please understand that at busy times of the year this may take longer.
We will always respond within 2 working days at the most.
TRIPS
Is has been wonderful to be able to offer our students more opportunities to go on trips and so many of you have already taken up this opportunity. Often trips prove to be very popular and so here is a description of how trips are set up and offered.
Places are available on a first come first served basis so if you would like your child to go then please...
It is perfectly reasonable for you to send in a completed consent form after having booked and paid for a place on the trip. We will however need a signed consent form to allow a student to go on a trip.
As we previously communicated, our school is a cashless organisation and payments should be made through SQUID (Trips/Offers). If you need support with your SQUID account please email office@medenschool.co.uk for assistance.
WHY IS ATTENDANCE SO IMPORTANT?
The answer is simple and here are a few reasons:
EVERY DAY COUNTS!
Out of the 365 days in a year, there are
The government gives us classifications of different levels of attendance:
We completely understand that there are instances where absence is unavoidable due to illness or family circumstances. We all get sick, and things happen. As we go in to the winter months there is always an increase in instances of illnesses such as colds, flu as well as COVID.
We also know that sometimes you wake up and don’t feel 100%, we can all relate to that!
Often once you have woken up and gotten dressed, maybe had breakfast, you start to feel better and what you thought was illness was perhaps tiredness from a late night or a busy weekend. It is at those times when we want you to try really hard to get your children to attend school and be ready to learn. We find that many of our young people lack this resilience and it is something we want to build upon, to prepare them for life after Meden School. Many minor illnesses can be eased using medications available from the pharmacy, who can advise you on what is best to take.
We would also ask you to avoid, if possible, booking holidays in term time; this can have a huge impact on learning because often, a large period of time is missed. For a child it may mean that a whole topic is missed and then gaps begin to form in their education which can put them at a real disadvantage especially if not caught up on.
Remember: attendance is key. How can you possibly gain all of the knowledge you need to revise, and know how to answer the questions if you aren’t in the lesson?
FOCUS ON ATTENDANCE
Over this next half term there will be a greater focus on attendance and as part of this, you may receive correspondence from school about your child's attendance. Whilst we do have a duty of care to ensure students are attending school, this is a supportive measure.
We want to support you to support your child to attend school as much as possible.
OUR DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN
If you want to discuss attendance or are looking for some support, our attendance team is approachable and understanding. Please get in touch, either by telephone 01623 843517 or email attendance@medenschool.co.uk.
More information relating to attendance can be found on our website using the following link:
https://www.medenschool.co.uk/page.php?p=attendance
Meden School
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