G-Mag Welcome Meeting!

Thanks to everyone who volunteered to be part of the team! We will be holding a welcome meeting on Tuesday 14th September at 3.30pm - please meet in main reception and bring along your ideas!

Look forward to seeing you!

From the entire team at G-Mag, we hope that you all have a fantastic summer holiday!

Summer Holidays

End of School Year

The Summer Holidays are almost here and everyone’s looking forward to them. School finishes at 12.30pm on Thursday 22 July. During period 3, there will be a leaving assembly . We will be saying goodbye to:

Mrs Eagle
Mrs Fleet
Mr Pocock
Mr Lay
Mr Maslen
Mrs Burke
Miss Clements
Ms Carpenter (TA)
Miss Spalding (TA)
Ms Bennet – who is having a gap year.

Everyone will miss them.

So from everyone in G-Mag – have a fun filled summer and see you in September.

Marcus Jones
Year 7

Houses

At the beginning of the term, 4 houses were formed with 2 tutor groups from each year in each house. They are:

• Berners Lee Yellow Head of House - Mr Jones
• Holmes Blue Head of House – Ms Snook
• Pascal Green Head of House – Mr Williams
• Moore Red Head of House – Mr Russell

2 new tutor groups are being made in Year 8 and 9 so there are 8 tutor groups in each year.

Most people liked the colour and some like the leader but none of the people asked particularly liked their house name. One person didn’t even know their house name.

The house provide more opportunities to take part in different competitions such as quizzes and house matches. The overall winning house will receive a trophy at the end of the year.

The houses will start in September.

By Marcus Jones

Year 7

Peer Mentoring

Being a peer mentor, I was with a tutor group over the 3 days and I have to say that they got on very well. They all left on Friday with a positive attitude towards Greendown and they couldn’t wait until September and I’m sure that all of the other tutors couldn’t wait either! Also, just a quick reminder to the Year 6’s that when you come up into Year 7 to bring back any forms or locker money.

Will see you all in September and I’m sure you will all get on really well in Greendown and who knows – the G-Mag team might be getting some new reporters!

By Josh Talbot

Year 9

A quick note - could anyone catching the coach to the county ground for Sport’s Day please remember to bring their £2 otherwise they might not be able to get a lift there.

Want to become part of the team?

As a year at Greendown comes to an end, G-Mag looks forward to welcoming new members in September.

During Year 6 induction, they were given the chance to sign up.

We are also looking for students from each year group to come along and participate, if interested.

In September, when the new Year 7s join us, we're hoping to expand in other year groups as well.

If you are interested, please attend the meeting on Friday, 3rd September at 3.30pm in the conference room. This will give you the chance to see whether G-Mag is for you.

If you are unsure of the location, please come to main reception, where someone from the team will be.

Any ideas are welcome and appreciated!

Upcoming L.E.Day

Next Monday, the entire school, minus a few, are participating in a Learning Enrichment Day.

Each year will be doing a different activity, with Year Sevens spending the day in Humanities, while a fraction of the year are going to Bristol Zoo.

While Years Eight and Nine activities are being kept a surprise, Year 10 will be spending the day planning “prom”. The winning team will then have the chance to help in the planning of the prom itself.

We hope that everyone enjoys whatever they’re doing for the day and make the most of it!

By Nathalie Cannell

Year 10

Half term coming

As many of you will know, its time to go on our half term again!
School will end at 2:20 on Friday 28th May.
So here at G-mag we wish you all a great half term :)

It's time for a change

It is also the time that we make changes within the team. This is where we are going to say our good byes, and our hello's.
The Team will be saying good bye to our year 11 members,
and we will be saying hello to the new members that will joining in September, and also the people that will be stepping into new roles.
It is great how the pupils of our school, get to have say in what we do and we also get to run our own magazine, this magazine is written by the pupils for the pupils.
So lets keep that in mind and wish everyone Good luck :)

The end has come!

It't the time of year that we say bye to our year 11's.
On Friday 28th May our year 11's will be leaving us.
We would like to wish them luck in their exams that will be coming up in June. Even though some of them have started already, sprits are high within the year, with mixed feelings about leaving, but we can say that the class of 2010, have been a great year group. They have done so much and every year has something different about them, and this years, year 11, were involed in the school alot. We shell miss them here at Greendown, but we hope that they go on to bigger and better things :)

We haven't updated for a while...

• On Friday we had our L.E.D. day.
• Year 11's start exams this week.
• Leavers Assembly this week.
• Start of Athletics season started last week.
• Dance show is on tonight and tomorrow night.
• School breaks up 2:20 Friday.
• Year 7 exams start after half term.

By Josh Talbot, Marcus Jones and Charlotte Tilling

Years 7 and 9

Learning Enrichment Day

This Friday is Learning Enrichment Day and many trips are taking place.
For year 7, they are going on an IT trip to Legoland. Year 8 are going to the Martime Museum for Humanities. And year 10 are going to Thorpe Park for business studies.

The remaining pupils will have fun participating in an LE Day at school.

Year 11, however, are only in if they are doing GCSE PE. All other year 11's have a study day.

By Marcus Jones
Year 7

New After School Clubs

The new summer after school clubs have been organised and are up and running.

On Monday:

• Dance show practise;
• Members only - Fitness Suite.

On Tuesday:

• Basketball - Sports Hall 1;
• Cricket Nets - Sports Hall 2;
• Cricket - Astro;
• Open session - Fitness Suite;
• Rounders - Field.

On Wednesday:

• Netball - Sports Hall 2;
• Open session - Fitness Suite;
• Athletics - Field.

On Thursday:

• Girls Football - Astro;
• Cheerleading - Dance Studio;
• Athletics and Rugby (Year 7 + 8) - Field.

On Friday:

• YLA - Dance Studio;
• Members only - Fitness Suite.

By Marcus Jones and Charlotte Tilling
Year 7

Year Nine SATs Week is Over!

As the Year 9s will gladly know, the Year 9 SATs week has finally ended! I'm sure that all of you will be glad not to be doing any more revision or tests for a while now and I'm sure that you all did great!

So, have a relaxing, study free weekend and I hope that you do as well in class as you have performed in the exams!

By Josh Talbot
Year 9

South Africa Update

After the recent success from the fashion show, which raised £510.25, we have more plans for fundraising already organised, such as:

• Bag Packing;
• Car Washing;
• Stalls at local fetes and events including "The Mix" at Shaw Village Centre.

If you would like to make any donations toward the South Africa fund, please contact Ms Bennett in her office in the English block.

By Dan Waller

Year 11

Fashion Update!

As we all know, summer is coming and the weather is starting to warm up. Time to find out what's hot and what's not for both boys and girls.

Florals are in for the girls - bright, colourful flowers. Maxi dresses are great for very hot days - these work for both casual and formal.

Sunglasses are back, especially the big and bulky ones. The reflective type are best for the guys.
Pumps are in! Especially with 3/4 length jeans! But with men, knee shorts. Do not wear socks with sandals!

So, when you hit the beach during summer, you'll look and feel smoking hot!

By Rhiannon John and Megan Keel
Year 9

"Think of the other person"

Many of you will know, that the most important rule in greendown is "think of the other person." now what does this mean, does this mean that only pupils should follow this, with other pupils?
Or is it a rule that runs from pupils right up to staff. When looking at "think of the other person" it's something that has court the eye of many people and pupils.
Many pupils will back this up that when it comes to thinking of the other person it doesn't work. Yes it will work for their friends but that is a two way thing. However when it comes to people starting to shout in your f and be rude, should you still be thinking of the other person at that point? This is because we had someone tell us about a problem what they faced, this was when a member of staff started shouting at them because they didn't do something. Now this problem was outside of a lesson and happened as a pupil walked passed. Thinking of the other person doesn't seem to work. This is because thinking of the other person can't just be said for pupils it has to run through out the whole school.
Now many people may disagree with this story as people have the right to, but ask your self this is it time we changed the rules, isn't time we updated our rules, and isn't time that we as pupils got the chance to re-write the rules in OUR school?

We believe that it is the time of change and the change that we want to make here at Greendown is "thinking of the other person." that needs to go and should come in with a new one. The one that this reporter believes is that it should be "treat someone how you want to be treated."
Now i know this may not be a good pick of words but it's true.
Pupils make up the school because without pupils there isn't a school,
But teachers make up the school too because with out the teachers we wouldn't have our education.
We believe that it's time to make a better link with our teachers, with the people that run our school.
It's time to make the change that should happen, lets think of the other person one last time and make it count.
If you believe in what this story talks about then please leave a comment, or if you don't or you believe that this story should be improved then please feel free to email g-mag@live.co.uk or if you write a letter hand it in to Main Reception and address it to G-Mag.


Lets go from " Thinking of the other person." To " treat someone how you want to be treated."
It's time we had a change and lets do that change together as one School.

Year 7 Subject Consultation Evening

On the 28th of April year 7 students parents will finally get to meet there subject teachers. The evening will be running from 4:30 to 8:30. Make sure you have all the times before the evening.

Written by Patrick Hellewell and Marcus Jones

New catering: Caterlink.

As many of you may have noticed by the new signs at the entrance of the Large atrium and the snazzy new clothing catering staff are wearing, you may have caught on that our food supplier has changed to a company called Cater link. By my experiences this week and the reactions of my peers we are loving the new selection of food at break times, Lunch and snacks. I have asked around G-mag and they like the wide selection now available to them at lunchtimes, although others are noticing differences that they aren't very keen on...

But I'm sure after a few more weeks of having the new catering company running our food selection in school, everyone will start to love it as much as me and others!

Josh Talbot 9KM - Head reporter

Year 7 Tutor Tournaments

On the 24th March, there is tutor tornament. Boys are doing football and girls are doing netball. Boys should bring their PE kit. Trainers and studs were needed in case of bad weather.

Last time, boys' victory happened for CH. Let's see if they can do it again this time around!

By Marcus Jones and Patrick Hellewell

Sports relief a success!

Many people were very tired after school last Friday because it was sport relief and people decided to either run, walk, 3 legged, fancy dress or other things that they decided to do for a mile.

Pupils could Pay either £1 to wear non school uniform in the afternoon to take part in the mile, or you could pay £2 for the sports relief socks.

All in all, sports relief turned out to be a success and we must have raised a lot of money for such a great afternoon!

Article by Josh Talbot, Megan Keel and Rhiannon John

Year 11 Easter Revision Classes

The holidays are fast approaching, meaning that year 11 are getting closer to their all important exams. This year, the department's around the school have decided open drop in sessions for different revision classes. Many classes have been organised and you may come in your non-school uniform. Due to the teachers applying their time into your studies it would be on idea to attend.

Greendown has new building plans!

May of you wont be aware that Greendown are getting a new building! G-mag sent me (Josh) and one of its new reporters (Hannah) to interview the architects:

''Why are you building a new building?''

The school has been recognised that it needs a place for children with particular needs to be able to have the same facilities as other specialist schools in England.

''How much is it costing the school to build?''

The project wont cost the school anything.

''How much will it cost 'you' to build?''

Its costing us around half a million pounds to build but we cant give definite cost as its confidential.

''How many rooms will the building have?''

It will have:
2 teaching rooms
2 group rooms
Office space
Toilets
Break time space with lighting.

''who picked you to manage the project''

Capita architects (us) have a partnership with the council, we provide them with services and they have asked us to build your school the new building.

''Where will you be building this new building?''

It will be built where the bike sheds are located at the moment, the bike sheds will be moved to another area at the front of the school (still easy to access). The new building's area will have no distractions from other students and will be close enough to the main school building for them to feel part of the school.

Article by Josh Talbot - Head reporter and Hannah Magill - Fashion Reporter

How do you feel about school?

We want to hear from you, on what you feel about school. We are trying to see what makes different people do well in school.
So if you are a pupil at Greendown or even a member of staff then please send us in a email on the the G-Mag email Gmag@live.co.uk or by a comment. We want to know how you feel, and if you don't feel good in school or you don't feel safe in schoool. We will do something about it because we believe although we come here to learn we must feel good about our selfs and also we must feel safe. So please get in touch we want to here from you! :)

Thank you :)

Want to become a member of the team?

As many of you know, its going to be coming to the end of the school year soon. Although many of you are happy and your counting down the days un-till you leave. Here at G-Mag we are happy too! and we can't wait to get the summer off. However once the summer holidays start, we lose 5 very important people to our team. Even though some of these roles will be filled within house. We are now wanting to look for New Reporters, New Sports Reporters and New everything!
This is were we are looking to get more people from school involved because as many of you know now G-Mag will be spreading it's wings around the school and also in the community.

So if you want to be apart of this, then please email Gmag@live.co.uk Or Carneybonner@hotmail.com
Thank you very much

Spring Fashion

This season we all want to look good! But here's the right way to do it :)

• Flowery patterns/prints make you stand out of the crowd and show you aren't afraid to try new things.
• Jeggings are comfortable, they look good, and they go with all the shoes and tops in your wardrobe.
• Triangle scarfes are back! cool and they stand out :)
• Chunky jewellery compliments your outfit as long as it matches!
• Hair dye is great, it is a good change and makes you stand out!
• A new hair cut, makes you feel good but make sure it suits your face shape.
• Make-up natural is the key. make sure you blend your foundation in.
• Lipgloss, shiny fruity and clear, makes your lips look hydrated(dry lips equals but NO NO!) and lushous.
• 'Use loreal because we're worth it'
• Always remember to work it!

C'mon girls let's say it! because We're worth it!

World book day

World book day has come around again, most schools get a £1.00 off token that's valid till the 28th march. World book day is a charity/promotion that celebrates books and reading. This year many books can be brought for free with the pound off token such as:

• Walking the wall
• The way of fire
• Born to play e.c.t.....

Bitz 'n' Bytez

Bitz 'n' Bytes is a new club for years 7 - 9 that is on every lunchtime in the English block, room B2.13. This is a room where you can come and relax, play games and do many other things. It has been set up by half of the BAF diploma team and so it is completely in the control of the students. Beth Mitchell, Ben Woodley, George Leahy, Lawrence Campin and myself set up and run the club, with each of us appearing at different lunchtimes to supervise what you are doing.

This club will continue until March 9th at definite, shutting on the 10th, so that we can have a meeting and assess the club's success. Your feedback in the club is very important to us, so we hope that you come along and talk to us. We will try our best to improve but we have to consider a lot of things first. If you have any questions about the club, you can visit us at lunch time in B2.13 or visit H1.9 in tutor time and ask for Chris Margetts.

Christopher Margetts
Year 10

Hats for Haiti

On Friday the 12th of February we will be wearing non-uniform and most importantly a hat, to raise money to lend aid to the disaster that struck Haiti in the form of an earthquake earlier this year. As a community school we feel that we should lend a helping hand to the global community, so even if you don't wear a hat we hope you still understand and appreciate the need to give aid to so many people who have lost so much during the earthquake.

There are a lot of hats that are trendy and fashionable that you could wear, or you could go for something really funky! Here are some cool suggestions:

• Micheal Jackson style hat
• Barrettes
• Cowboy/girl
• Make a boring hat interesting by adding your own touch!
• BIG HATS
• Paper can make a hat if you really get stuck
• DAPPY HAT!

Isle of Wight

The day of departure is fast approaching, years 7, 8, 9 and 10 are all going on this trip. Camp Little Canada is where they will be visiting and provides specialist courses in the computing and sports sectors. They will be taking part in many activities ranging from the Matrix to computer workshops. This trip will depart on Friday the 12th of February at 1.20pm to arrive on the Isle of Wight for 4-5pm. Reminder for all pupils that even though you will be wearing your own clothes for the trip on the day it would still be nice to bring in a pound and wear a hat for Haiti!

Hope to see you all there!

Year 9 Options Booklets

Year 9 students were given their GCSE options booklets to be handed in on the 26th of February.

Pupils have been given two choices and 2 back up choices to pick for their GCSE's. There are several pathways that pupils have been placed on based on their compatibility; these pathways affect their combination of GCSE options. Pupils put on a language pathway have been given the choice of either Spanish or Italian.

Year 9 pupils choosing the Diploma pathway are given the choice of Business and Finance, Engineering, Sport and Active Leisure, Construction and the Built Environment, Hospitality and finally Hair and Beauty.

If you have been chosen for the industry pathway then you have a choice of Business Communication Systems, Media Studies and National Certificate of Sport.

As a reminder, all pupils in Year 9 must attend the options evening on the 10th of February, (tomorrow). It will be from 5.00pm-6.00pm and parents are also advised to attend.

HALF TERM!!

Just to let you all know, half term begins on Friday the 12th of February and we will be breaking up at 2.20. It will be a non-uniform day with a twist, we will be wearing hats for Haiti to help raise money for the disastrous earthquake that hit Haiti earlier this year.

Also remember to sacrifice a bit of time to get on with work so that you are not stressed after the half term with a mountain of work on top of you! :)

Youth Parliament

Carney Bonner has stepped into the important role of Swindon's youth MP representative. Considering he is also full time editor in chief for the school's magazine, this is an amazing achievement for such a busy person.

After winning the majority of 5392 votes he has replaced the former MYP Jenny Renard. Jenny Renard has know taken the role of Carney's deputy MYP along with one of the other candidates, Sam Cantlon.

Carrney was speechless when the result was announced, and so he should be! He explained that he will put his full effort into important issues such as the anti-bullying campaign and will use Greendown Community School as his starting point.

We wish him all the best and a successful term of office.

Learning Enrichment 03.02.10

With learning enrichment day coming up, pupils are becoming excited about the medley of activities coming up on the 3rd of February.

The Year 7's will be participating in fulfilling Physical educational activities for the day.

The Year 8's have the opportunity to create a brand new Olympic sport.

The Year 9's will be discovering themselves in a new language for the day. The first three lessons will be English and for the last two pupils will be spending their time studying a new language.

We have not received any guidance as to what the Year 10's will be doing however we are sure it will be a fun filled day no matter what!

The Year 11's will have the day to spend brushing up on Science coursework or taking part in other Science based activities.

Biking It For South Africa!

In late February 2010, three intrepid people are going to descend on the town of Corsham, on their bikes! The whole journey there will be 46 miles of hard, solid bicycle riding. This bicycle ride is to raise money for seven hard working year 11 students to complete an exchange between them and pupils in their partnership school in Clarens, South Africa. One of the dedicated bike riders is also one of the pupils visiting Clarens.
If you are interested in lending a welcome hand in this ongoing fundraising journey, (it never ends as we are constantly raising money to help our partnership school), please contact Ms Bennett, or enquire at main reception if you wish to speak with one of the seven pupils.

Techniquest

Techniquest was a great success, everyone enjoyed it! Techniquest is a museum that is combined with scince and music and is in Cardiff. During the trip we looked at lots of ehibitions and someone taught us about sound and how it travels. Charrotte tilling said "I really enoyed it, it was a good day," I would Recommend it to children in year5 or year6 and they would have a great time at techniquest.

Charlotte Tilling and Josh Harris year 7