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.
Thursday, 23 October 2008
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!
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