3 weeks ago on Friday some of the Greendown girls took part in a street cheer competition against over schools in Swindon.KS3 took part in the dance category and KS4 took part in the cheer leading category.Both teams won a first place trophy , we interviewed some of the girls , this is what they answered...
WERE YOU WORRIED ABOUT THE OTHER COMPETITORS?
Yes, all of the groups were strong contenders and showed that they had spent a lot of time practising.We were shocked and surprised by the quality of their routines.
WERE YOU SHOCKED WHEN YOU FOUND OUT THE RESULTS?
We were completely astonished about the results.We knew all the teams are strong and when we were announced as winners we all ran and screamed in surprise and held up the trophy in triumph.
HOW MUCH DID YOU PUT INTO THE ROUTINE?
Alot, we all put in a 150%, the routine was difficult and absorbed all our time at lunches and after school.
By Hannah Adams And Zoe Samwell
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
Monday, 8 December 2008
SWINDON vs BRISTOL ROVERS NOV 22ND
Swindon vs Bristol Rovers - Greendown Pupils get special treatment!
Here we are, Glenn Franklin and Charlotte Milsom of year 11 at the top of the Uplands Stand. Mr Radford took us up to the top. True Swindon fans will know the scarf we are holding.
Now we have turned round looking west towards the Bristol town centre with the DAS enclosure behind us.
Here we are in this enclosure, after having walked around the pitch. This is the official executive box board welcoming Swindon’s Board of Directors.
And finally outside the Bass Terrace entrance where the Rovers fans stood. It was a great game and ended 2 all to Swindon!!
Marc R Radford BA (Hons)Lon, MA, PGCE
Français, Italiano, Español, ICT, WRC
Here we are, Glenn Franklin and Charlotte Milsom of year 11 at the top of the Uplands Stand. Mr Radford took us up to the top. True Swindon fans will know the scarf we are holding.
Now we have turned round looking west towards the Bristol town centre with the DAS enclosure behind us.
Here we are in this enclosure, after having walked around the pitch. This is the official executive box board welcoming Swindon’s Board of Directors.
And finally outside the Bass Terrace entrance where the Rovers fans stood. It was a great game and ended 2 all to Swindon!!
Marc R Radford BA (Hons)Lon, MA, PGCE
Français, Italiano, Español, ICT, WRC
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Have you tried our delicious school dinners recentley?
As winter is approaching and temperatures are low would you like to be offered a warm satisfying meal from our school canteen.
You will be surprised and astonished just what you can find and discover in our wide range of food varieties.Containing soups with fresh veg tables including a soft creamy roll.Surprisingly the roast dinners are the most popular meal at the being , do you want to try your taste buds?
The prices are good compared to most of the secondary schools in Swindon.The food is not just good quality.It is also tasty and healthy with nice meals and delicious low fat cakes, shortbread and other nice desserts- type treats.
The cashless system has been really effective and give the hole catering system a really nice boost along with the food.
By Zoe Samwell And Hannah Adams
You will be surprised and astonished just what you can find and discover in our wide range of food varieties.Containing soups with fresh veg tables including a soft creamy roll.Surprisingly the roast dinners are the most popular meal at the being , do you want to try your taste buds?
The prices are good compared to most of the secondary schools in Swindon.The food is not just good quality.It is also tasty and healthy with nice meals and delicious low fat cakes, shortbread and other nice desserts- type treats.
The cashless system has been really effective and give the hole catering system a really nice boost along with the food.
By Zoe Samwell And Hannah Adams
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
George Tweed Retirement home
Do you know about George Tweed? well, we started working with George tweed 2 years ago, the first thing we did was speaking to the link, they made an article saying the school wanted to get some fish for George Tweeds fish pond. people turned up with buckets of fish and then we bought them a computer and printer for there lounge about a year ago and they enjoyed using it so were paying for their Internet. the computer and printer cost about £500 together. were planning on taking some pupils from Greendown school to show them how to use it and invite them to a Christmas carol service trying to get them knowing a few faces
By Ashton and Kieron 8PV
By Ashton and Kieron 8PV
RLC Banned at lunch!
As many of you know, you can't log onto the computers in the RLC at lunchtimes, Do you know why this is? its because some people have decided to put water in a £400 computer. They have also decided to trash the the RLC suite! this is silly behaviour as many people used this suite for homework and good reasons... Do you know that Greendown spent over £60,000 on the computers that now we are not aloud to use because of this silly behaviour...
We also decided to interview Mr McGlaughlin and this is what he told us:
We also decided to interview Mr McGlaughlin and this is what he told us:
- Will we be able to get out RlC suite back at lunchtimes for students?
A. 'Well we do need someone to supervise the suite at lunchtimes...' - Should we have a timetable for different years e.g Monday- yr 7, Tuesday - yr 8?
A.'Yes, what we could do is have a student monitor to look after it at lunchtimes.' - What do you think about computers being trashed at lunchtimes?
A. I think it is terrible behaviour and two computers have been trashed by people pouring water into them and that is a reason why we can't use the RLC.
Article by Josh Talbot, Holly Score - 8PV
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
X- COUNTRY - 18 GREENDOWN PUPILS MAKE THE SWINDON TEAM
Hreod on Saturday 22nd November, superb effort. There were 72 places available for the Swindon team, Greendown took 18 of them. This is an excellent effort when you consider there were 10 schools that competed. The following pupils achieved a top 20 finish and under old rules would have progressed to the Wiltshire finals. Under the new rules, it is only the top 12 that go through plus 2 reserves. (R = reserve).
There were also top 50 finishes for the other year 7 boys. We took a team of 14 year 7 boys; things look good for the future. Please see the list I sent on Friday to see the rest of the runners!
There were also top 50 finishes for the other year 7 boys. We took a team of 14 year 7 boys; things look good for the future. Please see the list I sent on Friday to see the rest of the runners!
NEW LANGUAGES
Dear parents
There is an after-school club for pupils who speak Portuguese running at Greendown. Portuguese volunteers run the group and is open to any pupils who would like to attend from Portugal/Brazil.
There is an after-school club for pupils who speak Portuguese running at Greendown. Portuguese volunteers run the group and is open to any pupils who would like to attend from Portugal/Brazil.
Filming Opportunity
We have been chosen to be filmed for the YST National Sports Colleges Conference. We are one of three sports colleges that have been chosen based on recommendations from the Youth Sports Trust. I was wondering if you or your department would like to be involved. The two areas have chosen are below. If you would like to be involved, or have someone in mind, please let me know a.s.a.p. The filming will take place on Tuesday 2nd December!
Swindon vs Bristol Rovers Saturday November 22nd.
Now we have turned round looking west towards the Bristol town centre with the DAS enclosure behind us.
Here we are in this enclosure, after having walked around the pitch. This is the official executive box board welcoming Swindon’s Board of Directors.
And finally outside the Bass Terrace entrance where the Rovers fans stood. It was a great game and ended 2 all to Swindon!!
Picture are to come...
Here we are in this enclosure, after having walked around the pitch. This is the official executive box board welcoming Swindon’s Board of Directors.
And finally outside the Bass Terrace entrance where the Rovers fans stood. It was a great game and ended 2 all to Swindon!!
Picture are to come...
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Dame Kelly Holmes Runs To Greendown!
On the 19th of November, Dame Kelly Holmes visited Greendown School. Here she ran special workshops based on boxing, athletics, netball and cheerleading training. These workshops included pupils from Greendown and many other schools around Swindon. An extremely exciting event! Before this took place, Dame Kelly took some time for us to interview her about her life. This is what happened:
Who was your sports hero and have you ever met them?
Well, I managed to meet Tessa Sanderson in 1984 at Butlins after Tessa had just won a gold medal. As she was one of my heroes, it really inspired me and made everything seem real. I really started to work hard after this to make myself feel better.
What is your role in the 2012 Olympics?
I've got a job in the sporting legacy team. I'm also going to work with more school children, to try and keep them interested in sports and maybe help them to enter future Olympics. Most subjects are linked with P.E so it helps with everything really!
Was P.E your favourite subject at school?
Yes. I loved P.E! The problem was that in other subjects I didn't really concentrate as much, as I always wanted to be outside. I always got involved in school challenges and the duke of Edinburgh awards. At school I always wanted to join the army, because I wanted a challenge and to keep in top shape. So, I became an army fitness trainer.
We've noticed that you let people touch your medals. Is this worrying?
No, I really don't mind people touching my medals to be honest. Showing them to people makes me feel proud. They help to show people how long and hard my journey was and help people feel a part of it.
How has your life changed after becoming a dame?
I receive more important letters! Also I get a lot more busy publicity and I get to meet a lot more important people. Meeting the queen was also a fantastic moment!
Thank you very much for talking to us Kelly!
By Faye Rogers and Jess Harmer
Year 8
Who was your sports hero and have you ever met them?
Well, I managed to meet Tessa Sanderson in 1984 at Butlins after Tessa had just won a gold medal. As she was one of my heroes, it really inspired me and made everything seem real. I really started to work hard after this to make myself feel better.
What is your role in the 2012 Olympics?
I've got a job in the sporting legacy team. I'm also going to work with more school children, to try and keep them interested in sports and maybe help them to enter future Olympics. Most subjects are linked with P.E so it helps with everything really!
Was P.E your favourite subject at school?
Yes. I loved P.E! The problem was that in other subjects I didn't really concentrate as much, as I always wanted to be outside. I always got involved in school challenges and the duke of Edinburgh awards. At school I always wanted to join the army, because I wanted a challenge and to keep in top shape. So, I became an army fitness trainer.
We've noticed that you let people touch your medals. Is this worrying?
No, I really don't mind people touching my medals to be honest. Showing them to people makes me feel proud. They help to show people how long and hard my journey was and help people feel a part of it.
How has your life changed after becoming a dame?
I receive more important letters! Also I get a lot more busy publicity and I get to meet a lot more important people. Meeting the queen was also a fantastic moment!
Thank you very much for talking to us Kelly!
By Faye Rogers and Jess Harmer
Year 8
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
CHILDREN IN NEED UPDATE
£893.26 IN TOTAL RAISED BY EVERYONE AT GREENDOWN LAST FRIDAY FOR CHILDREN IN NEED! THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO TOOK PART!
Make your Mark Challenge!
In the early pre-dawn darkness of Monday November 17th, Mrs Mochan (Gifted and Talented Coordinator) turned on her laptop at home to read the secret brief for the Make Your Mark Challenge, the UK’s largest one-day enterprise competition for schools and colleges. At 9am, back at Greendown, she told 35 Year 9s and 10s who were participating in the event, what they had to do. They had just five hours to come up with an entrepreneurial idea - a unique and inspiring product or service which makes money - “inspired by the Olympic and Paralympic Values”. Their final presentation to a panel of judges, who had to pick a winning team, had to be supported by financial evidence, a competitors’ outline and a creative response.
This is the first time that Greendown has entered the Make Your Mark Challenge, which kick-starts National Enterprise Week. Teams of Gifted and Talented Year 9 and 10 students were also joined by year 10 Business Studies students and they were soon all busy discussing ideas, designing names and logos, working out budgets and researching competitors in the market.
Presentations began at 2pm before a panel of judges drawn not only from Greendown (Mr Tudor, Mr McGlaughlin, Mr Jones and Mrs Wilkinson) but also from the business community (Mr Robert Barrett, formerly Worldwide Line Manager with INTEL, and from ARVAL - Pam Halliday, New Business Development Director for UK and International and Alison Golden, Senior Accountant). Several teams presented impressive hand-drawn designs and PowerPoint notes, many had detailed budgets and evidence of research. And all impressed the judges.
In summing up, Mr Barrett praised how well the teams worked together and said the presentations were “models of cooperation and mutual support”. He also noted how seriously the students had taken the challenge, how well they had “thought through the issues” and in their responses to the judges’ questions “showed a depth of analysis that was very impressive.”
In the end, the team that won the judges’ unanimous vote as the winner was the S.O.S (Support Our Sports Stars) team. Their idea to produce a badge symbolising the 2012 Olympics and its partnership with up-and-coming sports stars of the future was considered to be both feasible and imaginative. And their presentation was both professional and convincing.
So congratulations to Kyle Fullerton, Tom Aslantepe, Scott Loudon, Joe Shepherd and Katie Tonks. We now wait to hear whether they have reached the next stage of the competition, to be held in Exeter on November 28th!
J Wilkinson and E Mochan
This is the first time that Greendown has entered the Make Your Mark Challenge, which kick-starts National Enterprise Week. Teams of Gifted and Talented Year 9 and 10 students were also joined by year 10 Business Studies students and they were soon all busy discussing ideas, designing names and logos, working out budgets and researching competitors in the market.
Presentations began at 2pm before a panel of judges drawn not only from Greendown (Mr Tudor, Mr McGlaughlin, Mr Jones and Mrs Wilkinson) but also from the business community (Mr Robert Barrett, formerly Worldwide Line Manager with INTEL, and from ARVAL - Pam Halliday, New Business Development Director for UK and International and Alison Golden, Senior Accountant). Several teams presented impressive hand-drawn designs and PowerPoint notes, many had detailed budgets and evidence of research. And all impressed the judges.
In summing up, Mr Barrett praised how well the teams worked together and said the presentations were “models of cooperation and mutual support”. He also noted how seriously the students had taken the challenge, how well they had “thought through the issues” and in their responses to the judges’ questions “showed a depth of analysis that was very impressive.”
In the end, the team that won the judges’ unanimous vote as the winner was the S.O.S (Support Our Sports Stars) team. Their idea to produce a badge symbolising the 2012 Olympics and its partnership with up-and-coming sports stars of the future was considered to be both feasible and imaginative. And their presentation was both professional and convincing.
So congratulations to Kyle Fullerton, Tom Aslantepe, Scott Loudon, Joe Shepherd and Katie Tonks. We now wait to hear whether they have reached the next stage of the competition, to be held in Exeter on November 28th!
J Wilkinson and E Mochan
school hockey team
the Greendown school hockey teamstarting a 11:
Tim,Callum,Earl,Lewis,Josh,Jamie,Luke,Jon,Shawn,Griffin,Gary
subsAsh,Reed,Dan,Jordan
there is a game against Wootten bassett
by Jonathan Shail
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
Children in Need
Greendown School are invited to help raise money for BBC's Children in Need. Friday 14th November students can wear non-school uniform for a donation of £1. The money will be collected during tutor time on Friday morning.
BBC's Children in Need's mission is to change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.
Last year in 2007 the BBC's Children in Need Appeal raised over £37 million. Every penny donated to the charity, a penny will go towards projects helping disadvantaged children in the UK. Greedown School was able to make this promise because the charity uses its investment income to cover all operational costs. Thanks to the public donations and amazing efforts of fundraisers, schools, businesses and corporate partners were able to provide support to thousands of youngsters aged 18 and under.
For more information visit www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey
By Rhiannon John Yr8
BBC's Children in Need's mission is to change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.
Last year in 2007 the BBC's Children in Need Appeal raised over £37 million. Every penny donated to the charity, a penny will go towards projects helping disadvantaged children in the UK. Greedown School was able to make this promise because the charity uses its investment income to cover all operational costs. Thanks to the public donations and amazing efforts of fundraisers, schools, businesses and corporate partners were able to provide support to thousands of youngsters aged 18 and under.
For more information visit www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey
By Rhiannon John Yr8
Black history month workshop
A few weeks ago, 3 lucky students took part in a black history month workshop. The students travelled to the Wiltshire music centre in Bradford upon Avon to meet the famous Jamaican poet, Lennox Cartly.
Here, he shared his favourite poems with us and talked to us about his experiences with racism. His story was moving and really made you think about how distressing the time must have been for him. The brilliant thing was that he used his experiences to make him a stronger person and to help others who are having the same problems. He has a fantastic personality!
Later, Lennox helped all of us to create our own poetry about racism and how the world was changing. He really brought out the best ideas in us and we all managed to write a great piece of meaningful poetry. We shared the poetry with each other and Lennox then gave us some tips on how to improve the poems. I think it will help me with future poetry!
In this workshop, I felt as if I had learnt more about how to cope with problems and had found out about many brilliant people that the world has forgotten. It was a moving workshop and I will never forget it!
By Faye Rogers Yr 8
Here, he shared his favourite poems with us and talked to us about his experiences with racism. His story was moving and really made you think about how distressing the time must have been for him. The brilliant thing was that he used his experiences to make him a stronger person and to help others who are having the same problems. He has a fantastic personality!
Later, Lennox helped all of us to create our own poetry about racism and how the world was changing. He really brought out the best ideas in us and we all managed to write a great piece of meaningful poetry. We shared the poetry with each other and Lennox then gave us some tips on how to improve the poems. I think it will help me with future poetry!
In this workshop, I felt as if I had learnt more about how to cope with problems and had found out about many brilliant people that the world has forgotten. It was a moving workshop and I will never forget it!
By Faye Rogers Yr 8
Happy 10th Birthday.
On October 2008, Greendown took part in a Citizenship project. this was held by the Mayor of Swindon. This was a day full of fun, and a lot of good stuff to be doing. This was being held at the Plus One Center in the Town. At 9am the pupils from Greendown and the other schools such as Ridgeway, St Joes and Dorcan and we all went down to the council chambers were we sat and had a formal opening and the mayor was in his formal robes. Once we was in the council chambers he told us the history about Swindon and how he came into his role and he will only spend a year being Mayor. Then his right hand man who drives him around and makes sure that is safe brought in a big iron mace which goes back to one of the princes of England. So after this we went back to the plus one center and we was told to start on our project which was about Swindon. We has to find out what people like and dis-like about Swindon. Then the pupils from Greendown went in town with a member of staff and we asked people what they thought, we then went into two groups and the 1st group went round and was asking questions the 2Nd group went round taking pictures of town. After this day we went back to Plus One Center and made it into a video and we showed the Mayor what we had done through out the day. at the end of this day Greendown had taken over 360pictures.
This was also the 10Th year that the citizenship project had been running so this means that we all got cake and everyone had some.
This was also the 10Th year that the citizenship project had been running so this means that we all got cake and everyone had some.
Monday, 10 November 2008
South West Cross Country Finals in Yeovil
12 of our pupils represented Greendown school in Yeovil on Saturday at the South West cross country finals. In cold, wet and extremely muddy conditions, our pupils did the school proud. With the likes of Millfield and nearly all private schools lining up against us it was always going to be tough.
Inter Boys – Finished 4th (one place off qualifying for the national finals) – 11 teams of 6 competed
Junior Girls – Finished 8th - 11 teams of 6 competed
All pupils did well, however a special mention must go to Jo Shepherd who finished 5th in his race, beating several national cross country finalists, and Nyle Clinton who was competing a year young, and finished 10th. Tom Aslentepe finished a gutsy 25th.
Please congratulate the following pupils if and when you see them!
Jo Shepherd
Tom Aslentepe
Michael Chambers
Louis Butcher
Nyle Clinton
Braedon Cleverly
Carmen Lee
April Lee
Jodie Tilemans (filled in last minute, was excellent)
Bethany George
Jess Dodson
Chloe Proctor
Inter Boys – Finished 4th (one place off qualifying for the national finals) – 11 teams of 6 competed
Junior Girls – Finished 8th - 11 teams of 6 competed
All pupils did well, however a special mention must go to Jo Shepherd who finished 5th in his race, beating several national cross country finalists, and Nyle Clinton who was competing a year young, and finished 10th. Tom Aslentepe finished a gutsy 25th.
Please congratulate the following pupils if and when you see them!
Jo Shepherd
Tom Aslentepe
Michael Chambers
Louis Butcher
Nyle Clinton
Braedon Cleverly
Carmen Lee
April Lee
Jodie Tilemans (filled in last minute, was excellent)
Bethany George
Jess Dodson
Chloe Proctor
Friday, 7 November 2008
Thursday, 6 November 2008
FOUR GOLD STARS !!
Recently awarded to our School Kitchens from Swindons Environmental Health Department and an overall rating of 'very good'. Big thanks to all our hard working staff there who never fail to produce good wholesome food each day within government guidlines. If you havent tried it yet you must!
Thursday, 23 October 2008
ORDER, ORDER, COURT IS IN SESSION.
Its 11:45pm on the 4th of july and the last train is leaving Suburbington train station. But then shock. A large piece of graffiti has been sprayed on the platform wall. An 18 year old girl, Kerrie Hicks, has been arrested by PC Milesin connection with the offence, but is she guilty. You decide.
In a recent event held at greendown school, a number of our year 10 drama students, accompanied by retired judge John McNaught, police constable Mark Hutchinson, prison officers from HMP Earlstoke just to name afew, performed an amazing, mock court trial. Wigs and all.
In a recent event held at greendown school, a number of our year 10 drama students, accompanied by retired judge John McNaught, police constable Mark Hutchinson, prison officers from HMP Earlstoke just to name afew, performed an amazing, mock court trial. Wigs and all.
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
ECO BAG DAY!
“A day spent making paper bags? What for?” asked one puzzled Year 7 when told about the Eco Bag Day for all Year 7s on October 21st. By the end of the day, he’d found out some mind-boggling facts about environmentally unfriendly shopping bags, learnt how to design a snappy slogan using ICT, made a bunch of new friends, delivered a professional presentation to his entire year group and won a Certificate in Enterprise skills. Oh, yes, he and his team had created a nifty paper shopping bag, too.
This was our second Eco Bag Enterprise Day for the Year 7s, designed to challenge and encourage enterprise skills in teamwork, creativity, decision-making and presentation. Working in teams in their tutor groups, the students had to decide on a shop name, slogan and logo and a suitable bag design for their target market. After a session using ICT to refine their designs, it was back to the tutor base to turn their ideas into reality.
This was when the pressure was on – they had only one hour to create the bag out of wallpaper lining paper (thanks to a generous donation from Homebase) and add their persuasive words and illustrations. Many of the students worked throughout their lunch break to finish their creations which ranged from paper-plaited, circular designs to tinsel-adorned, silver handbags.
Next was to prepare and deliver a presentation and for each tutor group to choose a winning team to enter the finals. But the hardest challenge of all was left to the judges (Mr Young, Mr Thomas and Mrs Wilkinson) who had to pick a winner from the seven teams who repeated their presentations to the entire year group in the Drama Studio. We looked not only for evidence of good teamwork and original, eco-friendly designs but also good presentation skills. And with each team strong in at least one area, the decision was tough. Particularly outstanding were 7SG (a fabulous artistic creation) and 7VL and 7MG for their presentations.
Finally, it was decided to award the boy-band team of 7LS the winning prize for their big, attractive, and globally-aware bag (complete with Chinese writing) and precise, professional presentation. Congratulations to Louie Paradise, Kevin Ntim, Callum Bennett and Corey Szymanski for demonstrating such excellent enterprise skills.
Julia Wilkinson
This was our second Eco Bag Enterprise Day for the Year 7s, designed to challenge and encourage enterprise skills in teamwork, creativity, decision-making and presentation. Working in teams in their tutor groups, the students had to decide on a shop name, slogan and logo and a suitable bag design for their target market. After a session using ICT to refine their designs, it was back to the tutor base to turn their ideas into reality.
This was when the pressure was on – they had only one hour to create the bag out of wallpaper lining paper (thanks to a generous donation from Homebase) and add their persuasive words and illustrations. Many of the students worked throughout their lunch break to finish their creations which ranged from paper-plaited, circular designs to tinsel-adorned, silver handbags.
Next was to prepare and deliver a presentation and for each tutor group to choose a winning team to enter the finals. But the hardest challenge of all was left to the judges (Mr Young, Mr Thomas and Mrs Wilkinson) who had to pick a winner from the seven teams who repeated their presentations to the entire year group in the Drama Studio. We looked not only for evidence of good teamwork and original, eco-friendly designs but also good presentation skills. And with each team strong in at least one area, the decision was tough. Particularly outstanding were 7SG (a fabulous artistic creation) and 7VL and 7MG for their presentations.
Finally, it was decided to award the boy-band team of 7LS the winning prize for their big, attractive, and globally-aware bag (complete with Chinese writing) and precise, professional presentation. Congratulations to Louie Paradise, Kevin Ntim, Callum Bennett and Corey Szymanski for demonstrating such excellent enterprise skills.
Julia Wilkinson
RUGBY yr 9 v St Josephs 62-10 !!
The final curtain came down on the year 9 season last night. A fine way to end with a solid 62-10 win against St Jo's. After a heavy defeat by Bradden last week Greendown responded in the best possible way by signing of with a convincing performance. Our standards raised again but we still have work to do. Hopefully with the arrival of a scrum machine thanks to the kind Lady's and gents at FROGS this will be a thing of the past.
Greendown got off to a flyer. Some good prematch drills helped fix the leaky defence from last week and it was not long before team captain Matty Johnson had out paced the defence to score under the sticks. 5-0 conversion missed.
The flood gates opened and once Dequan, Karl Godwin and Josh paradise had all scored the game looked sealed 32-0 half time.
A sudden turn of fortune for Greendown saw St Jo's score first after the break. Slack tackling let the St Jo's outside half power down the left flank to score. Conversion missed 32-5.
Harrison Batty stepped up straight away and score a neat solo effort. Harrisons contribution earned him a well deserved man of the match and 4 trys in all.
Bradon Cleverly showed good running skills for both his trys to make the final score read 62-10 with St Jo's having the last say with a score at the death.
A mixed season. Plenty to work on. But well done lads.
Greendown 62-10 St Jo's - Alex Buchalik
Greendown got off to a flyer. Some good prematch drills helped fix the leaky defence from last week and it was not long before team captain Matty Johnson had out paced the defence to score under the sticks. 5-0 conversion missed.
The flood gates opened and once Dequan, Karl Godwin and Josh paradise had all scored the game looked sealed 32-0 half time.
A sudden turn of fortune for Greendown saw St Jo's score first after the break. Slack tackling let the St Jo's outside half power down the left flank to score. Conversion missed 32-5.
Harrison Batty stepped up straight away and score a neat solo effort. Harrisons contribution earned him a well deserved man of the match and 4 trys in all.
Bradon Cleverly showed good running skills for both his trys to make the final score read 62-10 with St Jo's having the last say with a score at the death.
A mixed season. Plenty to work on. But well done lads.
Greendown 62-10 St Jo's - Alex Buchalik
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
A Day In The Life Of A Tutor!
What do you enjoy about being a tutor?
Seeing the tutor group do well and seeing them grow up through the years.
What do you dislike about being a tutor?
Dealing with naughty pupils and chasing up reply slips to letters.
If you could change anything about your tutor, what would you change?
Less notices, No, I'm quite happy with my tutor because they are nice.
Do you have any ideas for some fun tutor time?
I like the quiz, and I like a good discussion at the start of tutor.
Do you enjoy your time as a tutor? Why?
Yes, because I can make a difference.
If you had to choose out of being a tutor or a teacher on their own, what would you choose?
A teacher because I am a better teacher than tutor.
Jessica Gorski
Seeing the tutor group do well and seeing them grow up through the years.
What do you dislike about being a tutor?
Dealing with naughty pupils and chasing up reply slips to letters.
If you could change anything about your tutor, what would you change?
Less notices, No, I'm quite happy with my tutor because they are nice.
Do you have any ideas for some fun tutor time?
I like the quiz, and I like a good discussion at the start of tutor.
Do you enjoy your time as a tutor? Why?
Yes, because I can make a difference.
If you had to choose out of being a tutor or a teacher on their own, what would you choose?
A teacher because I am a better teacher than tutor.
Jessica Gorski
SATs Suspended - A Dream Come True?
Last week, an announcement was made that Year 9's would no longer need to take their SATs. The reason for this is that the DCSF (Department for Children, Schools and Families) feel the stress of the tests is unmanageable for Year 9 students.
The previous year's papers were marked by senior students, or even not marked at all! Some of the papers were lost and have yet to be found.
One Year 9 feels "relieved that they have been banished". However, another Year 9 thinks that "the SATs were a good way of knowing your level".
We would really like to hear from you!
Please click the comments button below to tell us your views on this.
Nathalie Cannell and Kirsty Soo
The previous year's papers were marked by senior students, or even not marked at all! Some of the papers were lost and have yet to be found.
One Year 9 feels "relieved that they have been banished". However, another Year 9 thinks that "the SATs were a good way of knowing your level".
We would really like to hear from you!
Please click the comments button below to tell us your views on this.
Nathalie Cannell and Kirsty Soo
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Interview with Mr Zimmerman.
In a recent interview with Mr Zimmerman, the head teacher at our school, we asked a few questions about what he has accomplished at the school and his plans for the future. Here are his responses:
Q. How long have you been working at the school and how long have you been head teacher?
A. I have been a member of staff at the school since 2001 and have been the head teacher since the 1st of January 2007.
Q. Have you always wanted to be a head teacher and why?
A. Yes, I have always wanted to be head teacher ever since I started teaching, because if you enjoy your job then why not aim for top dog.
Q. What achievements have you made at Greendown?
A. Well, I feel that you should really be asking the staff and pupils, but if you want to know what I think, then I would say that I have increased the reputation of the school within the school, the facilities have been improved, there is better behaviour, the school is achieving better and better results and the school is overall more pleasant.
Q. What are your plans for the future?
A. My plans for the future are to keep improving the school such as the toilets, the changing rooms, the choice for students, such as diplomas, the sports facilities and to keep improving results.
Q. Do you enjoy working at the school?
A. Yes. I have worked at 7 school now, but I have enjoyed working at Greendown the most. This is down to the pupils and the overall atmosphere of the school.
Q. When you were being interviewed for the role of headteacher what did you find the hardest?
A. The thing I found the hardest was if I did not get the job then, I did not know how I would face the members of staff and pupils because I have been at the school for so long.
By Jack Berrisford and Carney Bonner
Q. How long have you been working at the school and how long have you been head teacher?
A. I have been a member of staff at the school since 2001 and have been the head teacher since the 1st of January 2007.
Q. Have you always wanted to be a head teacher and why?
A. Yes, I have always wanted to be head teacher ever since I started teaching, because if you enjoy your job then why not aim for top dog.
Q. What achievements have you made at Greendown?
A. Well, I feel that you should really be asking the staff and pupils, but if you want to know what I think, then I would say that I have increased the reputation of the school within the school, the facilities have been improved, there is better behaviour, the school is achieving better and better results and the school is overall more pleasant.
Q. What are your plans for the future?
A. My plans for the future are to keep improving the school such as the toilets, the changing rooms, the choice for students, such as diplomas, the sports facilities and to keep improving results.
Q. Do you enjoy working at the school?
A. Yes. I have worked at 7 school now, but I have enjoyed working at Greendown the most. This is down to the pupils and the overall atmosphere of the school.
Q. When you were being interviewed for the role of headteacher what did you find the hardest?
A. The thing I found the hardest was if I did not get the job then, I did not know how I would face the members of staff and pupils because I have been at the school for so long.
By Jack Berrisford and Carney Bonner
Year 4, 5 & 6 Open Evening Success!
On Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th October, the school's year 4, 5 and 6 open evening was held.
The aim of the event was to showcase our specialist school to the primary school students and parents of Swindon, in hope that they will select our school in the not too distant future to further their education.
Each parent and child were given a map of the school to guide them to each subject area. In that subject, the parent and child would complete a related activity and receive a stamp. If they collected all of the stamps, they would obtain a prize...chocolate!
The evening went really well, and in general, all of the comments were very positive. The school would like to thank all of the students and staff involved to make the year 4, 5 and 6 open evening a great success!
Kirsty Soo and Nathalie Cannell Yr9
(Picture soon to follow)
The aim of the event was to showcase our specialist school to the primary school students and parents of Swindon, in hope that they will select our school in the not too distant future to further their education.
Each parent and child were given a map of the school to guide them to each subject area. In that subject, the parent and child would complete a related activity and receive a stamp. If they collected all of the stamps, they would obtain a prize...chocolate!
The evening went really well, and in general, all of the comments were very positive. The school would like to thank all of the students and staff involved to make the year 4, 5 and 6 open evening a great success!
Kirsty Soo and Nathalie Cannell Yr9
(Picture soon to follow)
Greendown hits the spot light!
Greendown School is now going to start a new production of the well known play, Bugsy Malone!
Auditions were held on the 19th September where each auditionee performed a section of the play to Mrs Burke. She has chosen James Wood as Bugsy, Faye Rogers as Blousey Brown, and Danni Soffe as Tallulah. We decided to talk to Mrs Burke on her views of the stage show.
Interview with Mrs. Burke
How long have you wanted to do a production with the school?
“I guess I’ve been thinking about it since I joined Greendown four years ago. I waited until I knew pupils better and the creative arts were strong enough to help each other out.”
Why Bugsy Malone?
“I think the production is really good fun and includes boys and girls parts. I love the songs and can’t wait to use the splurge guns!”
What inspired you?
“I Love singing and Musicals and I also starred in a production of Bugsy Malone when I was at School!”
When do you think the Play will be performed?
“I’m really hoping the play will be ready for March 2009.”
Was it hard to decide who played who?
“It was very hard because there were so many great auditions! I also had to decide who will fit the part.”
Do you think the production will be a success?
“Hopefully! I think it will because pupils at Greendown are really talented and have shown real enthusiasm to get involved!”
Thanks Mrs Burke! We are really looking forward to seeing it!
Written by Faye Rogers and Jess Harmer 8DS
“I guess I’ve been thinking about it since I joined Greendown four years ago. I waited until I knew pupils better and the creative arts were strong enough to help each other out.”
Why Bugsy Malone?
“I think the production is really good fun and includes boys and girls parts. I love the songs and can’t wait to use the splurge guns!”
What inspired you?
“I Love singing and Musicals and I also starred in a production of Bugsy Malone when I was at School!”
When do you think the Play will be performed?
“I’m really hoping the play will be ready for March 2009.”
Was it hard to decide who played who?
“It was very hard because there were so many great auditions! I also had to decide who will fit the part.”
Do you think the production will be a success?
“Hopefully! I think it will because pupils at Greendown are really talented and have shown real enthusiasm to get involved!”
Thanks Mrs Burke! We are really looking forward to seeing it!
Written by Faye Rogers and Jess Harmer 8DS
'Dads and Lads' Saturday October 10th - Huge success!
Dads and Lads
Saturday October 10th 2008
I, Introduction
The day had started long before the participants arrived with the setting up of all the events. Early arrivals were more than welcoming, filling up drinking bottles and arranging bits and bobs. After an initial panic that far more had arrived than planned for “boules” had to be scrapped! Once all the admin had been sorted thanks to Mr Harding’s invaluable help. But what weather, 20 degrees and not a cloud in the October sky! It had to be straight out onto the All Weather Surface as soon as possible!
The teams were given 100 points. Thanks to Alex Osbourne (Dad of Harley 8CAL) took like a duck to water and helped out greatly, in the enrolling process, many thanks. Year 9s were given a 5 point extra head start, year 8s 10 and year7s 15. More interestingly the adults were asked to rate themselves on how “sporty” they were from 1 (“couch potato”) to 5 (“”Olympic athlete status), which in itself was interesting.
The rules were then explained and a little introduction as to why we were here and what it was hoped would be achieved.
II, Event One~ Danish Long Ball
The Lads immediately showed the way with encouragement that almost became a din of albeit positive clamour and encouragement! The adults responded and latched onto the thriving positivity. It was a three inning affair, 24-7 to the odd numbered teams! There were a few performances of note and it is essential that this sport continues to appear in future additions! It was precious because it was the sport that everyone played in together, it really did set the scene!
The adults and Greendown pupils both seemed to warm to the off-the-cuff inclusion of not just 20 or 25 points for each game, but also 5 or 10 points if participants were “caught being good”:
· Applauding sportingly even when success was relative
· Encouraging anyone to strive to do better
· Helping fellow team members or even opponents in any way
A couple of typical examples of this were:
ü On the sidelines during the game, a Dad showing a Lad how to side step and not slip on the sidelines
ü rapturous applause for effort and not just point scoring
ü positive cajoling of Lads by Dads when they appeared initially look downhearted
It was a great sight, odds beat evens 24-9 at the bottom of the second inning … baseball fans would understand!
It was time to go outside into the glorious sun! Just before going outside the Photograph gathered us in for a group photo. Another moment for everyone to bond as one group!
III, Events Two & Three ~ 5-a-side and Tag Rugby
As the two games of football, Dad’s 5-a-side and Lad’s Penalty Shoot Out were about to be initiated Hywel volunteered to “tackle” tag rugby, meaning he took on “modelling” the game then coaching and picking out players for a special mention at the end for effort. While the Dads then the Lads “Tagged” the others played football, the level of engagement and encouragement was excellent without ever straying into anything too vigorous, save one or two protests at Mr Radford’s refereeing decisions,
IV, Event Four ~ Penalty Shoot Out
The stage was set for the totals to be worked out as we came to the end of our events. Those with lower totals kicked off, Dads taking against Lads then vice versa. At the start of this the Advertiser reporter arrived and interviewed Pedro and Steve about their initial impressions about the day. There was some good penalty taking and all had now grown accustomed to the cheering and clamouring for the Lads to outdo the Dads they were taking spots kicks against!
In our mini final Pedro and Steve held their nerve and won their shoot out, despite the clamourings for it to all go to another final with out champions falling at the last hurdle and finishing third.
We then locked and tidied the AWS and went into the Old Sports Hall. Dads and Lads dutifully filled in their feedback sheets to help future events to be even better.
A final thank you was then spoken. We reflected on what the day had meant to us all. The issuing of medals followed and talk of a Second Dads and Lads event sprung up.
V, Final Thoughts
Steve Townsend and Pedro Martinez were Greendown’s Inaugural Champions.
I can find no other way more apt than to finish by quoting Steve. On his feedback form he said ;
“Really enjoyed this morning, been looking for something like this to bring me closer to Pedro”
Marc Radford
Saturday October 10th 2008
I, Introduction
The day had started long before the participants arrived with the setting up of all the events. Early arrivals were more than welcoming, filling up drinking bottles and arranging bits and bobs. After an initial panic that far more had arrived than planned for “boules” had to be scrapped! Once all the admin had been sorted thanks to Mr Harding’s invaluable help. But what weather, 20 degrees and not a cloud in the October sky! It had to be straight out onto the All Weather Surface as soon as possible!
The teams were given 100 points. Thanks to Alex Osbourne (Dad of Harley 8CAL) took like a duck to water and helped out greatly, in the enrolling process, many thanks. Year 9s were given a 5 point extra head start, year 8s 10 and year7s 15. More interestingly the adults were asked to rate themselves on how “sporty” they were from 1 (“couch potato”) to 5 (“”Olympic athlete status), which in itself was interesting.
The rules were then explained and a little introduction as to why we were here and what it was hoped would be achieved.
II, Event One~ Danish Long Ball
The Lads immediately showed the way with encouragement that almost became a din of albeit positive clamour and encouragement! The adults responded and latched onto the thriving positivity. It was a three inning affair, 24-7 to the odd numbered teams! There were a few performances of note and it is essential that this sport continues to appear in future additions! It was precious because it was the sport that everyone played in together, it really did set the scene!
The adults and Greendown pupils both seemed to warm to the off-the-cuff inclusion of not just 20 or 25 points for each game, but also 5 or 10 points if participants were “caught being good”:
· Applauding sportingly even when success was relative
· Encouraging anyone to strive to do better
· Helping fellow team members or even opponents in any way
A couple of typical examples of this were:
ü On the sidelines during the game, a Dad showing a Lad how to side step and not slip on the sidelines
ü rapturous applause for effort and not just point scoring
ü positive cajoling of Lads by Dads when they appeared initially look downhearted
It was a great sight, odds beat evens 24-9 at the bottom of the second inning … baseball fans would understand!
It was time to go outside into the glorious sun! Just before going outside the Photograph gathered us in for a group photo. Another moment for everyone to bond as one group!
III, Events Two & Three ~ 5-a-side and Tag Rugby
As the two games of football, Dad’s 5-a-side and Lad’s Penalty Shoot Out were about to be initiated Hywel volunteered to “tackle” tag rugby, meaning he took on “modelling” the game then coaching and picking out players for a special mention at the end for effort. While the Dads then the Lads “Tagged” the others played football, the level of engagement and encouragement was excellent without ever straying into anything too vigorous, save one or two protests at Mr Radford’s refereeing decisions,
IV, Event Four ~ Penalty Shoot Out
The stage was set for the totals to be worked out as we came to the end of our events. Those with lower totals kicked off, Dads taking against Lads then vice versa. At the start of this the Advertiser reporter arrived and interviewed Pedro and Steve about their initial impressions about the day. There was some good penalty taking and all had now grown accustomed to the cheering and clamouring for the Lads to outdo the Dads they were taking spots kicks against!
In our mini final Pedro and Steve held their nerve and won their shoot out, despite the clamourings for it to all go to another final with out champions falling at the last hurdle and finishing third.
We then locked and tidied the AWS and went into the Old Sports Hall. Dads and Lads dutifully filled in their feedback sheets to help future events to be even better.
A final thank you was then spoken. We reflected on what the day had meant to us all. The issuing of medals followed and talk of a Second Dads and Lads event sprung up.
V, Final Thoughts
Steve Townsend and Pedro Martinez were Greendown’s Inaugural Champions.
I can find no other way more apt than to finish by quoting Steve. On his feedback form he said ;
“Really enjoyed this morning, been looking for something like this to bring me closer to Pedro”
Marc Radford
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
Anger Awareness Sessions! more than a novelty!
The BSU run Anger Awareness groups for small groups of pupils that runs for 7 weeks. Attendance, via staff or self referral is optional, although we make it clear that once the pupils have decided to come that they make a commitment to the group and attend every week. The sessions are informal and often led by the pupils whilst adhering to a set of rules decided on by the group at the start of the programme. During the length of the programme pupils are able to discuss issues both general and personal in a safe and supportive environment. We cover such topics as: early warning signs of anger; triggers; blocking techniques and choices that we have when we are angry.
Below are some comments from the year 10/11 group:
“I would advise other people to come to this, it’s a calm place, you get to know people better, it makes you think before you do things. All the times we’ve met up I’ve felt calm and relaxed when we leave.”
“The group has helped me feel more relaxed and I realise I’m not the only person with problems. It has helped my school life by helping me to communicate with people I would not normally associate with. I feel confident to express my opinions knowing confidentiality will be kept.”
“I think the group is really worth coming to as it’s helped me not lose my temper as much. In the group everyone is always supportive; if you are in any bad situations they will offer support. Everybody listens to what you have to say and tries to understand and support you.”
“It helped me with my anger, before I came I would get timed out a lot and now I don’t as much. I can talk to the group about things and get support and advice.”
This group of boys went on a trip at the end of last year. They took part in orienteering; first aid course; assault course and team building exercises. This term we plan to involve our groups in volunteering work with Swindon Borough Council and National Trust in their parks.
More photos can be seen in the pupil shared area.
Thanks
Nikki & Maggie B.S.U.
Below are some comments from the year 10/11 group:
“I would advise other people to come to this, it’s a calm place, you get to know people better, it makes you think before you do things. All the times we’ve met up I’ve felt calm and relaxed when we leave.”
“The group has helped me feel more relaxed and I realise I’m not the only person with problems. It has helped my school life by helping me to communicate with people I would not normally associate with. I feel confident to express my opinions knowing confidentiality will be kept.”
“I think the group is really worth coming to as it’s helped me not lose my temper as much. In the group everyone is always supportive; if you are in any bad situations they will offer support. Everybody listens to what you have to say and tries to understand and support you.”
“It helped me with my anger, before I came I would get timed out a lot and now I don’t as much. I can talk to the group about things and get support and advice.”
This group of boys went on a trip at the end of last year. They took part in orienteering; first aid course; assault course and team building exercises. This term we plan to involve our groups in volunteering work with Swindon Borough Council and National Trust in their parks.
More photos can be seen in the pupil shared area.
Thanks
Nikki & Maggie B.S.U.
FairTrade Cafe Update
Over 20 students from Greendown School have helped Ms Bennett, Mrs Mason and Ms Wilkinson setup the Fairtrade café. From years 8-11 have been running the café at after school events by ordering products to the washing up!
At after school events, homemade cookies and muffins are sold, also Geobars and Fairbreak bars. All homemade products are made from Fairtrade ingredients and made by Greendown’s students. Also the students have given presentations about Fairtrade to partner primary schools and have been helping primary school set up their own Fairtrade day.
In October 2007 it was decided that the Fairtrade café as an official Social & Business Enterprise, since then 15 different events have been held and Greendown’s students have made £160 profit which will go toward the school’s Exchange and trips fund including the South Africa student exchange.
By Rhiannon John, Yr8
At after school events, homemade cookies and muffins are sold, also Geobars and Fairbreak bars. All homemade products are made from Fairtrade ingredients and made by Greendown’s students. Also the students have given presentations about Fairtrade to partner primary schools and have been helping primary school set up their own Fairtrade day.
In October 2007 it was decided that the Fairtrade café as an official Social & Business Enterprise, since then 15 different events have been held and Greendown’s students have made £160 profit which will go toward the school’s Exchange and trips fund including the South Africa student exchange.
By Rhiannon John, Yr8
Hello world! European Day of Languages 2008
Hello world! European Day of Languages 2008
For several years now the staff and students of Greendown School have joined with their counterparts all over Europe to celebrate the many different languages that are spoken everyday within the EU. That means not just the official languages of the member states but also the myriad of world languages spoken by newcomers from all the continents.
On Friday 26th September the corridors and classrooms resounded to greetings in world languages from Arabic to Zulu. We were particularly pleased to try out the Sesotho we had learnt from the teachers from our partner school Moring Wa Thoto in South Africa when they visited us last summer.
This year we took the opportunity to celebrate the diversity of languages spoken daily at home by pupils at our school. We asked some of our longstanding students and staff to become language teachers for the afternoon.
Year 8 were treated to veritable smorgasbord of linguistic experience at our first Languages Fair. As they visited the different stalls they collected useful phrases in different languages, on their passport these included, Welsh, Turkish, Farsi, Swahili, Czech. Hindi, Portuguese, Chichewa, Dutch, Suomi (Finnish) and Polish.
Year 8 were treated to veritable smorgasbord of linguistic experience at our first Languages Fair. As they visited the different stalls they collected useful phrases in different languages, on their passport these included, Welsh, Turkish, Farsi, Swahili, Czech. Hindi, Portuguese, Chichewa, Dutch, Suomi (Finnish) and Polish.
One of our language experts Nadia Adofo of 10 RJ said.
I really enjoyed that day teaching year 8s to speak Dutch. For some people they found it really hard. It was quite funny as well as they can’t always pronounce the words really well. It was a great experience.
I really enjoyed that day teaching year 8s to speak Dutch. For some people they found it really hard. It was quite funny as well as they can’t always pronounce the words really well. It was a great experience.
Senora O’Flangan. MFL.
Friday, 3 October 2008
Y10 Rugby Match Report
The mighty Greendown Y10 continued their unbeaten run last night with a dogged victory against traditionally strong Ridgeway. The team was forced to make a few late changes with Harry Lloyd coming in on the flank and young Josh Paradise stepping in fresh from his Y9 victory the previous night. The Ridgeway coach held a white board session for half an hour in the changing room and their players came out pretty fired up. Their were a few tears rolling down the cheeks as the took the field.
An explosive start saw bone crunching hits from Josh Jeffries, Aiden Stevens and Josh Cox. The ball spilled loose from the Ridgeway centre and Tom Aslantpe scooped the ball and sprinted around the cover defence for the opening score. Joe Shepard missed the conversion. 5-0.
After some great attacking play from Greendown, a failed clearance kick from Ridgeway saw Dan Giles fielded and round his opposite number. Dan showed some great balance and a turn of speed that shocked the Ridgeway defence. Joe Shep missed the conversion. 10-0 Greendown.
Ridgeway found some form late in the half and started applying pressure. Slack tackling in the midfield saw them score underneath the posts to make the score10-7. A dangerous period of play and Greendown had to double their defensive efforts.
Josh Lawson made a fantastic cover tackle to save a certain try in the next phase of play. Chasing down the Ridgeway speedy winger. Extreme courage helped keep Greendown noses in front.
Half time. 10-7
The mighty Greendown Y10 continued their unbeaten run last night with a dogged victory against traditionally strong Ridgeway. The team was forced to make a few late changes with Harry Lloyd coming in on the flank and young Josh Paradise stepping in fresh from his Y9 victory the previous night. The Ridgeway coach held a white board session for half an hour in the changing room and their players came out pretty fired up. Their were a few tears rolling down the cheeks as the took the field.
An explosive start saw bone crunching hits from Josh Jeffries, Aiden Stevens and Josh Cox. The ball spilled loose from the Ridgeway centre and Tom Aslantpe scooped the ball and sprinted around the cover defence for the opening score. Joe Shepard missed the conversion. 5-0.
After some great attacking play from Greendown, a failed clearance kick from Ridgeway saw Dan Giles fielded and round his opposite number. Dan showed some great balance and a turn of speed that shocked the Ridgeway defence. Joe Shep missed the conversion. 10-0 Greendown.
Ridgeway found some form late in the half and started applying pressure. Slack tackling in the midfield saw them score underneath the posts to make the score10-7. A dangerous period of play and Greendown had to double their defensive efforts.
Josh Lawson made a fantastic cover tackle to save a certain try in the next phase of play. Chasing down the Ridgeway speedy winger. Extreme courage helped keep Greendown noses in front.
Half time. 10-7
Thursday, 2 October 2008
Rugby Yr9 vs Ridgeway 57 - 0 !
There have been many great transformations in this world. But none more so than the performance of the Year 9 rugby team last night against Ridgeway. The Team made a few positional changes this week which proved to be the key to unlocking the natural talent that lay dormant in Year 9 rugby quarters. The difference between last nights display against arch rivals Ridgeway and the previous performance against Herod Parkway was nothing less than dramatic. The game kicked off to a frantic start. The ball bounced straight into touch with the resulting lineout going Greendowns’ way. Scrumhalf Birchy pounced on the loose ball and feed Josh Paradise on his own try line. In a difficult position, Paradise palmed off one would be defender then opened up and went around his opposite number to score a 90 meter run in within the opening 30 seconds of the game. Branden Cleverly converted in front of the post to make the score 7-0.
Shortly after prop Karl Goodwin powered clear for a well worked team try. This score was particularly pleasing as the coaches had worked hard all week on rucking and mauling. Sometimes coach Dobbs, Buchalik and Harding feel they are talking to themselves but it seem the boys had listen. More great rugby was to follow. Matt Johnson finished off a score with a clever little run to put more space between the teams. After Powerful Greendown number 8 Saraj scored down the left flank the flood gates opened. Harrison Batty was to score two good trys and receive Man of the match with Josh Paradise who also looked lethal every time he touched the ball. Cai and Harrison played a vital role in recycling the ball and making crunching tackles all game.
Ridgeway mounted a fight back in the second half but strong defence held them scoreless. Josh scored another followed by another 80 yard effort from Dequan making his debut for the school team. Aron Stubbs proved lively all game and well deserved his score and the 3 conversions. Karl Goodwin added another with Brandon Cleverly gaining a brace. The final score 57-0. Well done boys. Training next week. - Alex Buchalik
Shortly after prop Karl Goodwin powered clear for a well worked team try. This score was particularly pleasing as the coaches had worked hard all week on rucking and mauling. Sometimes coach Dobbs, Buchalik and Harding feel they are talking to themselves but it seem the boys had listen. More great rugby was to follow. Matt Johnson finished off a score with a clever little run to put more space between the teams. After Powerful Greendown number 8 Saraj scored down the left flank the flood gates opened. Harrison Batty was to score two good trys and receive Man of the match with Josh Paradise who also looked lethal every time he touched the ball. Cai and Harrison played a vital role in recycling the ball and making crunching tackles all game.
Ridgeway mounted a fight back in the second half but strong defence held them scoreless. Josh scored another followed by another 80 yard effort from Dequan making his debut for the school team. Aron Stubbs proved lively all game and well deserved his score and the 3 conversions. Karl Goodwin added another with Brandon Cleverly gaining a brace. The final score 57-0. Well done boys. Training next week. - Alex Buchalik
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
OFFICIAL OPENING OF OUR NEW AWS TODAY
A little later than planned but at least the rain held off when Don Rogers finally cut the ribbon to officially open our long awaited new all weather playing surface! Greendown's magnificent new playing surface is the only one of its kind in Wiltshire as far as we know. It will offer for years to come an unparalleled playing surface for football, rugby, hockey and other ball games both for students and other community users.
The event was attended by our local MP Anne Snelgrove, Governors, Contractors involved in the construction and other local representatives. All of us were entertained by displays of the various sports available at the school by the students on the new surface. A big thanks to all of hose who put so much into making this happen and to Swindon Borough Council for providing the funds!
The event was attended by our local MP Anne Snelgrove, Governors, Contractors involved in the construction and other local representatives. All of us were entertained by displays of the various sports available at the school by the students on the new surface. A big thanks to all of hose who put so much into making this happen and to Swindon Borough Council for providing the funds!
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
A new rugby club is on for year 8 Boys.
A recent interview with Mr Buchalik about a Year 8 rugby team.
How many people do you need to do your rugby club?
All the year 8 boys of Greendown School are allowed to come to training, but I will only be taking 17 boys to play against other schools.
When is the rugby clubs on?
The rugby club starts NOW, and the days you can train are Wednesday night 3:30 to 4:45 after school and Tuesday lunch time in the old sports hall.
Which school do you want to play first?
We were supposed to play Dorcan School this week.
Who are your main rivals?
We play many competitive games the boys especially enjoy playing good teams like Hereod School, The Ridgeway School and Wootton Bassett School.
Kieron Parker 8PV
How many people do you need to do your rugby club?
All the year 8 boys of Greendown School are allowed to come to training, but I will only be taking 17 boys to play against other schools.
When is the rugby clubs on?
The rugby club starts NOW, and the days you can train are Wednesday night 3:30 to 4:45 after school and Tuesday lunch time in the old sports hall.
Which school do you want to play first?
We were supposed to play Dorcan School this week.
Who are your main rivals?
We play many competitive games the boys especially enjoy playing good teams like Hereod School, The Ridgeway School and Wootton Bassett School.
Kieron Parker 8PV
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
IMPORTANT DATES. 2008-2009
Tuesday 30th September 2008
year 7 tutor evening.
Monday 6th October 2008 INSET day (day off).
Tuesday 7th and 8th of October 2008
year 6 open evening.
Friday 24th October 2008 end of term school ends
Thursday 20th November 2008 consultation day (school closed).
Tuesday 16th December 2008 year 11 evening.
Wednesday 14th January 2009 year 10 subject evening.
Wednesday 25th February 2009 consultation day.
Thursday 12th March 2009 year 9 subject and options evening.
Wednesday 1st April 2009 year 8 subject evening.
Tuesday 28th April 2009 year 7 subject evening.
Monday 29th June 2009 work experience starts with year 10 ends Friday 3rd July 2009.
By Carney Bonner Year 10.
year 7 tutor evening.
Monday 6th October 2008 INSET day (day off).
Tuesday 7th and 8th of October 2008
year 6 open evening.
Friday 24th October 2008 end of term school ends
Thursday 20th November 2008 consultation day (school closed).
Tuesday 16th December 2008 year 11 evening.
Wednesday 14th January 2009 year 10 subject evening.
Wednesday 25th February 2009 consultation day.
Thursday 12th March 2009 year 9 subject and options evening.
Wednesday 1st April 2009 year 8 subject evening.
Tuesday 28th April 2009 year 7 subject evening.
Monday 29th June 2009 work experience starts with year 10 ends Friday 3rd July 2009.
By Carney Bonner Year 10.
Friday, 19 September 2008
Thursday 18th YR10 RUGBY GREENDOWN v HREOD
The Year 10 well and truly got the Greendown Rugby off to a flying start with a comprehensive win over arch rivals Herod Nova. The boys were set to retain their undefeated record under Coach Buchaliks’ rein.
The boys got off to a flying start with Tom “I refuse to pass today” Aslantpe outpacing his opposite number to score in the corner. Shep missed the conversion. 5-0. Some great forward play and a powerful driving run from Ryan Hammersly saw Aiden Steven power over for the next score. Shep missed the conversion. 10-0. The experienced players in the side really started to organise the side. David Ruddle, Josh Jeffries and Aiden Stevens set the tone up front. Josh Jeffries powered over to make the score 15-0. Shep missed the coversion. Ryan Hammersly continued to make dangerous runs in the latter stages of the half, Trigger (Dan Preston)on the wing showed some fancy footwork to cut infield to continue the attack that saw David Ruddle finish a well deserved try. 20 -0. Shep missed conversion.
Second half was much similar to the first. Herod were shut down in defence and Greendown played counter attack rugby. Excellent individual play from Dan Giles brought about the try of the match. 25-0. Shep got the conversion (cheer!!)
Further scores from David Ruddle and converted try from Ryan Hammersly, made the final score 44-zip. A fine performance from the lads. Putting Greendown rugby back on the map. The target for the boys is a perfect season. Undefeated.
Final Score Greendown 44-0 Herod Nova
A BUCHALIK - PE DEPARTMENT
The boys got off to a flying start with Tom “I refuse to pass today” Aslantpe outpacing his opposite number to score in the corner. Shep missed the conversion. 5-0. Some great forward play and a powerful driving run from Ryan Hammersly saw Aiden Steven power over for the next score. Shep missed the conversion. 10-0. The experienced players in the side really started to organise the side. David Ruddle, Josh Jeffries and Aiden Stevens set the tone up front. Josh Jeffries powered over to make the score 15-0. Shep missed the coversion. Ryan Hammersly continued to make dangerous runs in the latter stages of the half, Trigger (Dan Preston)on the wing showed some fancy footwork to cut infield to continue the attack that saw David Ruddle finish a well deserved try. 20 -0. Shep missed conversion.
Second half was much similar to the first. Herod were shut down in defence and Greendown played counter attack rugby. Excellent individual play from Dan Giles brought about the try of the match. 25-0. Shep got the conversion (cheer!!)
Further scores from David Ruddle and converted try from Ryan Hammersly, made the final score 44-zip. A fine performance from the lads. Putting Greendown rugby back on the map. The target for the boys is a perfect season. Undefeated.
Final Score Greendown 44-0 Herod Nova
A BUCHALIK - PE DEPARTMENT
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Greendown v St Joes Yr11 Match Report
Y11 Rugby Match Report
The Y11 Rugby season 08 got off to a fantastic start last night. That start lasted exactly 15 minutes. After a hampered preparation to say the least, the boys took the field determined to enjoy their last season at Greendown. A fantastic start saw the boys go 7-0 up in the first 2 minutes. Kevin Babu pounced on a loose pass for his opposite man from St Joe's, beat 2 defenders and off loaded to Jordan Reece who evaded would be tacklers and won the foot race to the line. He then converted his own try. Things were looking good. St Joe's hit back straight away with a well worked try in the corner 5 minutes later. A difficult conversion tied the scores at 7-7.
Reality kicked in and the boys realised that the St Joe's lads were not going to roll over. Efforts had to be doubled and they were. Greendown threw caution to the wind and started to throw the ball around. Luke Giles playing at back row must have covered every blade of grass on the field in his effort to support his team. Greendown scored next with a well worked sprint in from Kevin Babu. A superb team effort that left the opposition chasing shadows. Conversion missed 12-7.
Then…the wheels came off. A well coordinated attacked was too much for our unorganised defence and St Joe's hit a purple patch and ran in 3 unanswered tries. The boys had two choices, give up or Dig in. They choose the later. Dispite a few lapses in concentration, the boys gave it everything they had. None more so than Channon Barkley and Shelton. The Greendown never say die approach was evident until the final whistle.
There were occasional pearls of great play. Kevin Babu finished off a 50 yard sprint to close the gap. Lee Nichols made some ferocious tackles in midfield, Bradley Redford was outstanding throughout, Jordan Reese was clearly the best player on the park, Jack Wicks never took a backward step, and the Baur boys displayed class throughout. Alas, it was a bridge too far. The boys will have some soul searching to do. A long Season ahead.
Alex Buchalik PE Department
The Y11 Rugby season 08 got off to a fantastic start last night. That start lasted exactly 15 minutes. After a hampered preparation to say the least, the boys took the field determined to enjoy their last season at Greendown. A fantastic start saw the boys go 7-0 up in the first 2 minutes. Kevin Babu pounced on a loose pass for his opposite man from St Joe's, beat 2 defenders and off loaded to Jordan Reece who evaded would be tacklers and won the foot race to the line. He then converted his own try. Things were looking good. St Joe's hit back straight away with a well worked try in the corner 5 minutes later. A difficult conversion tied the scores at 7-7.
Reality kicked in and the boys realised that the St Joe's lads were not going to roll over. Efforts had to be doubled and they were. Greendown threw caution to the wind and started to throw the ball around. Luke Giles playing at back row must have covered every blade of grass on the field in his effort to support his team. Greendown scored next with a well worked sprint in from Kevin Babu. A superb team effort that left the opposition chasing shadows. Conversion missed 12-7.
Then…the wheels came off. A well coordinated attacked was too much for our unorganised defence and St Joe's hit a purple patch and ran in 3 unanswered tries. The boys had two choices, give up or Dig in. They choose the later. Dispite a few lapses in concentration, the boys gave it everything they had. None more so than Channon Barkley and Shelton. The Greendown never say die approach was evident until the final whistle.
There were occasional pearls of great play. Kevin Babu finished off a 50 yard sprint to close the gap. Lee Nichols made some ferocious tackles in midfield, Bradley Redford was outstanding throughout, Jordan Reese was clearly the best player on the park, Jack Wicks never took a backward step, and the Baur boys displayed class throughout. Alas, it was a bridge too far. The boys will have some soul searching to do. A long Season ahead.
Alex Buchalik PE Department
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Best All Weather Surface opens soon at Greendown
Watch out for imminent announcement on the opening of Greendowns Fab new AWS. State of the art 3G rubber crumb playing surface available for hire - still the cheapest rates in town!
Contact our community bookings desk on community@greendown.swindon.sch.uk soon to avoid disappointment!
We will chase the sheep off before then - promise!
ML
Contact our community bookings desk on community@greendown.swindon.sch.uk soon to avoid disappointment!
We will chase the sheep off before then - promise!
ML
New HeadTeacher's First Interview-Exclusive
What plans do you have for the school?
"We have loads of plans for the school, right now we are improving the facilities for example the astro-turf is going to be resurfaced, we want to continue to upgrade our computers for the benefit of the pupils. Also I would like to introduce a sixth form into Greendown for those wanting higher education."
Have you succeeded in any of your plans?
"Well... the school results have improved and we are at our highest level now. If the Bradon buses are stopped more people will choose Greendown because less people will be able to travel there."
What do you think is the schools best achievement since you have been Head teacher?
"We've had the best ever results. Parents see Greendown as a good school. A higher percentage of Yr 6's are coming to Greendown! We also had a recent ' good to outstanding' Ofsted inspection."
We look forward to speaking to Mr Zimmerman again in the future.
Kieron Parker 8PV
"We have loads of plans for the school, right now we are improving the facilities for example the astro-turf is going to be resurfaced, we want to continue to upgrade our computers for the benefit of the pupils. Also I would like to introduce a sixth form into Greendown for those wanting higher education."
How does it feel to be the Head teacher?
"I really enjoy my time as a Head teacher because everyday is different nothing is boring at Greendown."
Have you succeeded in any of your plans?
"Well... the school results have improved and we are at our highest level now. If the Bradon buses are stopped more people will choose Greendown because less people will be able to travel there."
What do you think is the schools best achievement since you have been Head teacher?
"We've had the best ever results. Parents see Greendown as a good school. A higher percentage of Yr 6's are coming to Greendown! We also had a recent ' good to outstanding' Ofsted inspection."
We look forward to speaking to Mr Zimmerman again in the future.
Kieron Parker 8PV
Cashless Next Stage
After the October half term, the 'Cashless System' will be going online! The system is a new idea, but we are now giving you more options about how to add money to the card. Cashless Online is based on your child's account. Your child will have their very own online school bank account, where parents will be able to find out about everything their child is buying. To add money to the account, parents must log onto the Greendown website and enter their security details. Parents then choose what they wish to buy and enter their security details. The next day, the school will get an automatic update of all payments that have been made.
Watch out for a letter from the school which will explain everything.
Jess Gorski Year 8
Watch out for a letter from the school which will explain everything.
Jess Gorski Year 8
Monday, 15 September 2008
Welcome to the new look Greendown pupil interactive G-MAG
From today, Greendown will publish its school newsletter as an interactive document accessed through the website and produced entirely by the pupils! We have decided to no longer publish copies of our newsletter in paper format in the interests of sustainability and eliminiating unnesseary use of our panets scarce resources!
We shall enter articles on a regular basis and invite sensible comment from students, staff and parents for all to see. We have a small editorial team under the guidance of the School manager and will endeavour to keep all our pupils, parents and staff up to date with whats happening at your school! Watch out for the first article!
Mark Lanchester
School Manager - September 2008
We shall enter articles on a regular basis and invite sensible comment from students, staff and parents for all to see. We have a small editorial team under the guidance of the School manager and will endeavour to keep all our pupils, parents and staff up to date with whats happening at your school! Watch out for the first article!
Mark Lanchester
School Manager - September 2008
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