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John Ferneley
Health & Safety Competition
A group of foreign exchange students will be visiting John Ferneley for a 3 day visit and it is important they are informed of what is happeining on the building site next door to the school and about the dangers of being so close to a live construction site.
All students are invited to prepare a safety brief that can be given to the foreign exchanged students on their arrival outlining what the main dangers are and what rules should be followed to ensure their safety.
The brief could be a poster, a newsletter or whatever you think may be the best method to inform the foreign exchange students of the dangers of the construction site.
The deadline for handing in the safety briefs will be Friday 5th December, with prizes being handed out to the winners in prize giving assemblies in the last week of term (Monday 15th - Friday 16th December).
There will be 6 prizes in total - ipods or ipod vouchers. The winning designs, posters, newsletters will also be featured on Willmott Dixon hoardings.
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DRAMA
A cast of 30 pupils from John Ferneley are rehearsing hard for their performance of 'Romeo and Juliet' at Melton Theatre, on Friday 10th October.
Tickets are available from the Box Office on 01664 851111.
The performance starts at 7.00 pm.
The pupils will be performing along with students from other Leicestershire schools and colleges, as part of the Shakespeare Schools' Festival.
The cast members have already taken part in a workshop on the stage, led by members of the Natiional Youth Theatre. This is a fantastic opportunity for the young cast to experience working in a professional theatre.
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John Ferneley's future is bright
- and green
The construction of Melton's new £15m John Ferneley High School is officially under way, and the future will be a successful and green one.
The first sod was cut by county council chairman Tony Kershaw, watched by council leader David Parsons, staff, pupils and governors, signalling another important milestone in the £45m reorganisation of secondary education in Melton and the Vale of Belvoir.
The new school, being built to the north of the current site, is planned around five learning zones - Discovery, Communication, Enterprise, Culture and Performance - designed to engage and excite students.
It will also incorporate the latest environmental features including a wind turbine, a rainwater recycling system and energy efficient heating and lighting.
The design will also maximise daylight and ventilation while the school grounds will encourage biodiversity by using recycling schemes.
Work is due to be completed by spring 2010.
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Governors, staff and pupils have much pleasure
in inviting prospective parents and pupils to our
OPEN EVENING
on Wednesday 1st October 2008
6:00 - 8:00 pm
OPEN WEEK
Monday 29th September, Wednesday 1st & Friday 3rd October
Daily tours will start at 9:15 am and finish at 12.15 pm
OPEN MORNING
Saturday 4th October 2008
10:00 am - 12:00 mid-day
Activities and tours available
Governors, staff and pupils will be available to answer any
questions you may have during these sessions.
For details of the other Melton Partnership schools’ open events
(Belvoir, KEVII and Longfield), please contact them direct.
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Normandy Trip 19th - 23rd August 2008
Diary of Events
Normandy Day 1 - Tuesday 19th August
The coaches set off for Portsmouth just after 1.00 a.m. happily, with everyone accounted for.
Although the rain had dampened the occasion nothing could have prepared us for the channel crossing which was to follow. The wind had sharpened from the North East which was whipping across Portsmouth sound in a crescendo of stomach churning waves. The Ferneley staff and the Brittany staff were superb, wielding tissues and sac a mal de mer or sick bags for those without much French. Many were quickly separated from their breakfast and spent much of the remainder of the journey feeling very sorry for themselves.
Finally Cherbourg hove into view. What joy! We were quickly reunited with our coaches and soon we were speeding towards MacDonalds at Isigny Sur Mer.
I had expected that after the near encounter with a briny grave, our students would be unable to face a Super Mega Big Mac with quadruple fries and a humungus cola, but I was mistaken. These boys and girls did us proud and completely finished the entire stock of Big Macs, Big Fries and Mega Cokes to leave the manager with a severe food shortage. Well done the Ferneley.
We arrived at the Chateau just before 4.00pm. Quickly removing baggage from the coach and placing it in our rooms we were called to the red room or the TV room to have instructions on fire evacuation. There was the highlight of the day, a swim at 6.00 pm. followed by dinner at 7.30 pm. Almost all of the staff at the Chateau are English but we are encouraged to practice speaking in French. For dinner tonight we are having vegetable soup, escalope of pork with vegetables and mash followed by crème brulee. The evening activity tonight is “It's a knockout”.
During our stay there is excellent coverage of the Olympic games from China and so we can share in the sporting achievements of our athletes.
Normandy Day 2 - Wednesday 20th August
This morning at 7.00 am we had a fire drill which did not impress the children who were mostly still in bed, however they responded well and we were soon getting showered and ready for our first trip.
We set off for Pointe Du Hoc under a grey sky that threatened rain and we had a few spots on the way but this did nothing to spoil the exploration of the gun emplacements and observation points. Point Du Hoc offers excellent views of the beaches where a likely invasion of Normandy might take place and so the German guns were located here for maximum effect. There are many tunnels and rooms located below the surface which are ideal for the children to explore.
After much enjoyment which is unusual for a history lesson the buses took us to a recently discovered emplacement at Maisy Battery. These emplacements support hospitals, munitions stores and living accommodation which have until the last two years remained buried and hidden from view.
It is thought that this location was deliberately buried to prevent negative wartime propaganda. I am quite sure that a book will appear which disputes the accuracy of events recorded of the D Day Invasion by the allied forces. After Maisy we headed for Longues Sur Mer where we were due for a picnic lunch.
We moved on from Longues Sur Mer towards Arromanches, the centre of the invasion of the battle of Normandy. This was a recreational visit as we have previously visited the museum and although there is a great deal to see, we wanted to enjoy the sunshine and explore the shops and the beach front.
After returning to the buses, we were on our way back to the Chateau du Molay and a swim time for the children.
Tonight for dinner we have snails in garlic and frogs' legs. The children have an opportunity to try these French favourites. There is a quiche for starter and the frogs' legs and snails are brought on as an intermediate course. Then the main which is chicken and rice followed by a lemon cheesecake. The planned activity for tonight is karaoke.
Normandy Day 3 - Thursday 21st August
After breakfast we set off for the market at Molay Littry which is a typical rural French market not unlike Melton Mowbray in size.
The produce on sale varies from all types of fish, poultry and meat to handbags, shoes and clothes. There were among the live animals, ferrets, ducks, rabbits and chicks. The children found it cheaper to buy Coke than in the chateau, also biscuits were very popular. We returned to the chateau for a picnic lunch at 12.45 p.m.
The afternoon began with activities at 2.00 p.m. Coach 1 were first up with archery. We were each given some basic instruction in how to shoot an arrow with a bow. The children were eager to try this and quick to learn. Robin Hood should be very afraid, Melton has produced some of England's finest archers and they were out today. There was a contest to award each archer with an item of cutlery with which to eat their dinner tonight, and many of us will be eating our soup with our fingers!
After producing stunning results in the archery we swapped activities with coach 2 and moved on to team building games where original thinking was needed and thinking outside the box. Removing the TNT using only a rope and a large measure of skill, plus arranging students in date of birth order on a narrow beam or in order of height.
Moving 5 tyres from a pole and getting them in the correct order on a second pole whilst using a third one, this one appealed to the mathematicians. Also posting students through a rope lattice whilst observing an obscure ritual of etiquette was most enjoyable.
Saving the drop bears and removing aliens from the planet were just two of the many challenges that John Ferneley was able to successfully claim. The sun shone and we all enjoyed this time of fun and games that the leaders had provided. Thank you guys!
However a cautionary warning that there is a kidnapper at large in the chateau! After a fish and chip dinner we have an activity planned and tonight we are playing cluedo.
Normandy Day 4 - Friday 22nd August
This morning we were hoping to go to the beach, however we had a number of problems with poor weather and children not well, so we turned back and delayed our visit to a large Carrefour at Caen. We arrived at Carrefour at Mondeville at 12.00 in the rain and after having a picnic lunch in the car park it was time for shopping. Children were seen with shopping bags loaded with goodies, and once everyone had returned to the coach we set off for the bowling alley.
This bowling alley has hosted visits from John Ferneley pupils for a number of years and is always a successful activity. Pupils and staff alike enjoyed trying to flatten those ten pins! Mrs Dalby was the top scorer on the staff team.
After returning to the buses, we were on our way back to the Chateau du Molay and our final swim time for the children. The weather held out to allow a barbecue in the grounds before the rush back to rooms to spend some considerable time preening in readiness for the evening disco. Disco music boomed and much energy was spent dancing the night away. The evening was rounded off with two extra activities; the first being fun presentations in the TV room to celebrate the friendships and camaraderie which had taken place during the week. Awards were presented for the best buddy, speaking in French, the best dive in the pool and many more.
The evening ended with the Great Fire Extravaganza. All staff and pupils sat on the steps at the entrance of the Chateau du Molay overlooking the grounds in the dark when the disco music started up and a member of the Chateau staff performed a circus act with swinging fire lanterns. Huge cheers from the pupils rang out in the night air, a perfect end to a successful trip.
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UKIERI Visit to India
Deputy Head, Trevor Wright and head of science at Rushey Mead School, Vanita Patel, have recently returned from a British Council visit to India where they were able to develop the links between the schools. The purpose of the international link is for pupils of both countries to have a better understanding of each other's lives. Presents have been exchanged, there are internet links including a blog website, visits have taken place to the "Jawahar Navoaya Vidyalaya" (name of the school) and future plans include shared projects in sport and healthy lifestyles. One of the ultimate aims is for a student exchange in the future.
Trevor Wright
Deputy Head
For more information visit:
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Teachers’ International Professional Development Programme - Short Term study Visits Programme
Through the Teachers’ International Professional Development programme I was invited to visit Stockholm to see how Swedish schools look at Citizenship.
I travelled with five primary teachers, four other secondary teachers all from Leicestershire schools, and our Team Leader, a member of the Advice and Inspection team at County Hall.
On our first day we were given a presentation at their Department of Education on the Swedish system of education. The next three days were spent visiting three different schools. Firstly a sixth form college or Upper Secondary school as they called it, where the students chose it because they were interested in global issues. The students we observed were preparing a presentation on global warming which had to be written and delivered in English. The second school was a school for pupils aged 6-13 and the final school was for students aged 6-16.
The core subjects we teach in England that all students must study are Science, Maths and English. In Sweden all students have to study Swedish, Maths and English which they learn from the age of six and we were extremely impressed at the confident way even the very young pupils could talk in English.
All the schools encouraged a strong belief in Democracy with the students being involved in School Councils alongside parents and teachers to discuss the running of the school.
The final day of the visit we returned to the Department of education in Stockholm to deliver a presentation on our system of education and how we assess our students.
All of this was an extremely interesting experience and I was very grateful for the opportunity to witness the system of education and methods in another country.
Alison Dalby
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John Fernely High School
cordially invites you to attend a
Public Meeting
on Wednesday 23rd April 2008
from 4-6pm in the school
This is an opportunity for the archtects,
the builders and the Local Authority to:
- share with you the plans for the new John Ferneley school building
- receive feedback and answer any queries prior to planning submission
Followed by a Parents' Meeting from 6 - 7pm
This will be an opportunity for parents to discuss curriculum and
partnership issues with Chris Robinson, the Headteacher.
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Dear Parents
The National Union of Teachers (NUT) is striking on the 24th April. This strike will affect John Ferneley High School.
Following a risk assessment I have decided to keep the school open on the 24th April but only for Year 7. As a consequence Year 8 and Year 9 should not come to school on that day.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Chris Robinson
Headteacher
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John Ferneley High School makes the news with help from the BBC
On Thursday, 13th March, 18 pupils from John Ferneley High school joined up with 250 schools around the UK to make the news.
The pupils took part in BBC News School Report, a BBC project to engage 11-14 year-olds in the news.
Ex-teacher and BBC News presenter, Huw Edwards, lent his support to the project.
He says: "Having been a teacher and run many journalism workshops in schools, I've seen how much fun it can be and how much can be learnt when there are real deadlines, real audiences and real standards to meet."
Over the past few months the students at John Ferneley have been working hard, training to be top journalists, carrying out interviews and producing reports.
Lead teacher, Miss Barnes said: ‘The students have worked so hard, researching, writing and interviewing in their own free time. They have come up with some great stories and should be really proud of themselves.’
The students broadcast their news on Thursday 13th March, covering the stories of the day as well as their special reports on John Ferneley’s £15million new school build and Internet Safety for teenagers.
One pupil involved says: ‘It’s been great fun and I have learnt so much. My favourite bit so far has been when BBC Radio came to our school and taught us the skills of a real journalist.’
You can find John Ferneley’s School News Reports on the BBC website www.bbc.co.uk/schoolreport or on John Ferneley’s website www.johnferneley.org.uk
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Drama
On Friday 8th February 2008, four pupils from John Ferneley performed sketches as part of the Leicester Comedy Festival at the Knighton Fields Arts Centre, alongside pupils from other schools. Well done to Hannah Layton, Alice Wootton, Graham Rose and Nathan Hutchinson.
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John Ferneley High School
cordially invites you to attend a
Parents’ & Local Residents’ Meeting
on Wednesday 30th January 2008
at 7.15 pm in the school hall
This is an opportunity for Chris Robinson,
the Headteacher supported by the architects,
builders and the Local Authority to:
> share with you the plans for the new John Ferneley school building
> give you an opportunity to express your views
> offer local residents the chance to voice any concerns they may have
prior to the next stage of the process
If you would like to reserve a seat please telephone the
Headteachers’ PA, Tracy Feekins on 01664 565901
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Drama - Pantomime
'Sleeping Beauty'
On January 17th & 18th 2008, staff and pupils at John Ferneley performed the pantomime 'Sleeping Beauty' to sell out audiences. Many thanks and congratulations to all involved for their hard work.
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La Plagne 5th-12th January 2008
The New Year started off with a bang as 59 pupils and 6 members of staff descended upon the French ski resort of La Plagne. Having been deprived of snow over the festive period, we were anxious to reach our destination. A short flight from Coventry airport, followed by a three hour coach ride and we arrived at our destination.
The resort was picturesque and recent snowfall meant the snow was knee high. The chalet we were staying at was situated on the piste (slope) itself, and the prospect of being able to ski to the front door of the chalet proved very exciting. Later we discovered our rooms even overlooked the piste. We were prepared for the slopes in no time at all, and split into groups of varying ability.
Our days were then spent having breakfast in the morning followed by two hours of ski school, lunch and then another 2 hours of skiing. The ski school was run by a group of accredited French instructors who nurtured the novice skiers and extended the ability of the more experienced.
Skiing proved to be a wonderful experience for both staff and pupils. Falls were aplenty. Faceplants (going head first into the snow) were a common sight and drew the most laughs. Snow ball fights were inevitable, with myself and Mr Page facing the repercussions of being in the line of fire. It was not until meal times that it become evident as to how well mannered the pupils of John Ferneley are. Staff and pupils ate together in a very relaxed and civilised manner. It was at this point when we received various positive comments, from both staff at the resort and other residents, regarding the behaviour and general mature approach of our pupils to skiing.
The ski trip from John Ferneley High School has been running for 14 years and it was made clear to pupils and staff that this trip was the best so far. There is no doubt that the continued positive attitude of staff and pupils alike will mean next year’s trip to Val d'Isère will prove even more successful.
Mr S. Amli
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INVESTORS IN PEOPLE ACCREDITATION - January 2008
INTERVIEW CRITERIA
The school achieved Investors in People accreditation six years ago and this is the second review against the standard. 17 members of staff including a governor were interviewed this represented a sample size of 30%.
KEY DOCUMENTS REVIEWED
Development plan 2007/2008
Ofsted report 2007
John Ferneley High School clearly has procedures in place which create an environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute their ideas for improving their own and other people’s performance. This is done through the regular staff meetings and performance reviews
Training and development is seen as being paramount to the continued success of the school and through effective management and forward planning this is playing a major part in the school achieving excellent results and having a first class reputation in the area.
Management are constantly evaluating the effectiveness of the school through both internal assessments and outside audits. They are constantly striving to maintain its success and provide successful pathways to learning with an experience that all value.
People interviewed were positive that John Ferneley High School operates within a culture of continuous improvement. The strong teamwork, as well as formal communication, ensures that any required changes in training are taken into account.
AREAS OF GOOD PRACTICE
Excellent lines of communication with all staff stating that if any issues arise they are discussed and, where possible, resolved.
The support that staff receive from management, not only in work related issues but also in their personal/family life.
The feeling of ownership, with staff ideas and opinions for improvements being sought.
The use of an independent organisation to carry out perception monitoring with parents, staff and pupils.
A very strong feeling of teamwork most of the interviewees referred to colleagues as family.
The sense of pride in working for a progressive school that is achieving good results.
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Behaviour Management Course for Parents
ADHD Solutions is working with Parent Carers' Council and will be providing parent courses on the 1,2,3 Magic Steps Behaviour Management Programme. Below is a schedule of the dates and venues which will be covered.
This course has just been run at Birch Wood which has proved to be very successful. Children do not have to have a diagnosis of ASD/ADHD. All parents who are experiencing behavioural difficulties will benefit from this course.
Any parents who wish to access these courses can contact Christine Jarvis direct to secure a place (0794 7047573)
Shelthorpe Childrens' Centre, Woodthorpe Road, Loughborough
18th January - 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
25th January & 8th February - 9:30 am - 12 noon.
Syston Community Centre, School Street, Syston
6th February - 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
20th & 27th February - 9:30 am - 12 noon.
Marlene Reid Centre, Belvoir Road, Coalville
26th February - 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
4th & 18th March - 9:30 am - 12:00 noon.
Menphys Nursery, Launceston Road, Wigston
14th April - 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
21st & 28th April - 9:30 am - 12:00 noon.
Voluntary Action Melton, Asfordby Road, Melton
3rd March - 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
10th & 17th March - 9:30 am - 12:00 noon.
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Sleeping Beauty
We are putting on a Panto …. Oh no we’re not….. oh yes we are !
The staff and pupils have been working hard all this term under the guidance of Mrs Keith to put together a performance of Sleeping Beauty.
On January 17th & 18th the curtain raises at 7pm. The PTA will be organising a licensed bar and interval refreshments. Tickets will be available from school £5 for adults and £3 for children and concessions.
Come along and join the festive fun.
Mrs Cooley
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Snowfall and Emergency Closure of School
I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the procedure should we be faced with snow, set down by the Local Education Authority, in the event of an emergency closure of the school. If I take this decisiion I will inform the local radio stations named below.
If you have reason to think that John Ferneley may be closed please do not phone the school or the radio stations involved. This creates congestion and prevents essential communication.
I will phone the named radio stations which will give details of any school closures including further information about re-opening.
If you think the school may be closed please check these stations on these frequencies:
| Radio Leicester |
104.9 FM |
| Leicester Sound |
105.4 FM |
| Radio Nottingham |
103.8 FM |
In exceptional circumstances, when heavy snowfall occurs during the day, we may have to send the children home before 3.30 pm. If the weather conditions make this necessary you will need to make suitable provision for your child. There will be a closure notice on the homepage of our website which can be found at www.johnferneley.org.uk if it becomes necessary to shut the school during the day.
Obviously, the safety and welfare of our pupils is important at all times. Thanking you for your co-operation.
Yours sincerely
Chris Robinson
Headteacher
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John Ferneley Shoe Box Appeal
What wonderfully generous pupils, parents and staff we have here at John Ferneley! When we started the Shoe Box Appeal we though we would get one or two shoe boxes per tutor group but we have received 90 in total.
What a super response, it shows that the people connected to this school really do care about the wider world. The boxes are now on their way to Belarus.
To everyone who took part and gave so much, a big thank you and a very merry Christmas.
Julie Glynn
Head of ADT
Shoe Box Appeal Coordinator
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Friends of Ferneley PTA invite you to a
Fish and Chip supper and Race Night
Friday 9th November
Bar opens 7:00 pm
First Race 7:30 pm
Tickets £5.00 (includes supper)
Tickets available from John Ferneley High School reception
The second draw of the 100 Club will take place at this event.
Winners of the Friends of Ferneley 100 Club October draw:
1st Mrs D O'Higgins
2nd Mr C Jeffcote
3rd Mrs J Oliver
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John Ferneley Enterprise Days:
Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th November
The normal timetable for year 9 pupils was abandoned on either Tuesday or Wednesday to allow them to experience the real world of work for the day. In conjunction with Business Dynamics and UPS (the transportation company) pupils embarked on a range of (group orientated) activities which included making (and selling) egg cup holders and designing and building a scale model theme park (with 12 sheets of paper)!
The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day, learning some key points about the world of employment. These included; timekeeping, working to deadlines, working in “non-friendship” groups, managing (and making) money and that working in a competitive environment is not always easy!
The companies, and the school staff, were exceptionally impressed with the pupils’ mature attitude and behaviour during the day, even commenting that some year 11 pupils could learn something from our year 9s!
The day finished off with presentations and prizes, and I can honestly say every single year 9 pupil took an active role in the day and was a credit to the school.
Well done to all involved.
Jon Beaver
9J Head of Year
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To view the 'Building A Vision' presentation please click here
JOHN FERNELEY cordially invites you to attend a
PARENTS' EVENING
on
Wednesday 19th September
at 7.00 pm in the school hall
This is an opportunity for Chirs Robinson, the Headteacher to share with you:
> the vision for the future;
> the change of age range from 11-14 to 11-19 from September 2009, and
> the £14 million new school building due to open at the same time
If you would like to reserve a seat please telephone the Headteacher's PA,
Tracy Feekins on 01664 565901.
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The Governors, Staff and Pupils of
John Ferneley High School
have much pleasure in inviting prospective parents to our
OPEN EVENING
on Wednesday 26th September 6:00 - 8:00 pm
and to view the school during
OPEN WEEK
Monday 24th - Friday 28th September inclusive
Daily tours will start at 9:30 am and finish at 11:00 am
OPEN MORNING
on Saturday 29th September
10:00 am - 12:00 mid-day - activities and tours available
Governors, Staff and Pupils will be available to answer any questions
you may have during these sessions.
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‘Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations’
On Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th July 2007, pupils from Years 7, 8 and 9 performed ‘Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations’ by Alan Ayckbourn. Congratulations to the whole cast and crew who worked extremely hard to convey the humour of the play. They clearly succeeded judging by the laughter of the audience.
Thank you to all those who helped in any way but especially to Mrs Glynn and Miss Rowell and the ADT Department for creating, with the pupils, the fantastic sets, props, puppets, masks etc etc, not only for this production but also for the Primary School Tour last October and for our performance of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ at the Melton Theatre in February.
Congratulations to Fiona Primrose who was awarded ‘The Ernest Howe Memorial Shield’ for her contribution to drama during her three years at John Ferneley. She is just one of a large number of talented Year 9 pupils who have shown dedication and commitment to extra-curricular drama during their time here. They will all be missed!
Next term, rehearsals will commence for a ‘pantomime’ involving both staff and pupils. Should be fun!! Hope to see you all there!
Mrs Keith
Drama Teacher
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John Ferneley Celebrates an Outstanding Ofsted
A good school with outstanding features
Good:
√ Overall effectiveness
√ Achievements and standards
√ Personal development and well-being
√ Teaching and Learning
√ Curriculum and other activities
√ Care and guidance
√ Leadership and management
Outstanding:
√ English
√ Modern Foreign Languages
√ Physical Education
√ Special Educational Needs
√ Extra-curricular activities
√ Students contribution to the community
Progress towards reorganisation
"The school is well on the way to ensuring that the changeover to becoming an 11-18 school is smooth" (Ofsted)
Head's comment:
"It is our fourth highly successful Ofsted inspection in the last eighteen years and confirms John Ferneley as a flagship school within Leicestershire." (Chris Robinson)
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JOHN FERNELEY GOES CHANNEL HOPPING
with its World Culture Day
Following this year’s SATS Year Nines were given a day off from normal lessons on Thursday 21 June - with a view to broadening pupils’ horizons, whilst having a bit of fun.
Channel Hopping Day aimed to celebrate the diversity of our communities by involving pupils in practical activities in the morning and learning new languages in the afternoon.
In ADT pupils tried their hands at making ocarinas, constructing gliders and forging masterpieces by famous painters such as Matisse. In Expressive Arts one group composed Rap and Reggae music whilst others explored through drama the conflicts facing immigrants. In one PE session pupils had the opportunity to learn Hungarian stick-dancing. In another pupils learned to master new sports such as Aussie Rules Football.
Not only was much of the morning work different and fun, but this style of work helped develop collaborative skills through working together to complete projects.
In the afternoon pupils learned basic phrases such as names, greetings and numbers in a circus of short language sessions including Chinese, Irish, Italian, Latin, Portuguese, Russian, Signing, Spanish and Welsh!
We hope to encourage pupils to value diversity through this venture and to view elements of other cultures as an enrichment rather than a threat.
We are grateful to the following local businesses for sponsoring our event:
China Rose Restaurant
Wok This Way Take-away Restaurant
Masterfoods
McDonalds
Morrisons
Tesco
Mr Luetkeneier
Head of MFL Department
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Year 8 Opportunities Fair
On Friday 15th June all year 8 pupils in Melton and Belvoir were invited to a careers exhibition which was held at PERA Innovation Park.
You may already be aware that from September 2008 the curriculum for secondary school students is changing. Alongside GCSEs, all students from the age of 14 will be given the opportunity to study either a general academic route or to choose from a wide range of brand new Specialist Diplomas.
The Opportunities Fair was designed as a practical and interactive experience, allowing students the opportunity to learn more about the courses available to them and the careers they can lead to. The exhibition included staff from King Edward VII, Brooksby Melton College, Connexions and a range of employers.
The year 8 pupils from John Ferneley visited the exhibition in the afternoon and all thoroughly enjoyed the ‘hands-on’ experiences available.
All year 8 tutors prepared the pupils so that they could gain the most from the experience and four of our pupils (Samantha Crichton, Neil Burke, James Hall and Charlotte Croxall) were involved in several planning meetings with pupils from the other schools to make it a worthwhile experience for all.
When we arrived we got interviewed by a journalist from the Melton Times. He asked us what we thought about PERA. We said it looked good, we thought it was a good idea and that it makes you think about the future. There were exhibitions for Health & Child Care, Media Studies, Business, Law, Retail, Languages & IT, Beauty, Agriculture, Science & Technology, Public Services etc.
We all enjoyed the event and most of us now have an idea of what we want to do when we are older. We went round the stalls, there was lots to do. We picked up lots of leaflets about jobs. We all thoroughly enjoyed the day, it was good fun and we learnt loads. PERA was a great idea.
Thank you to all the people that helped make the day possible.
(John Ferneley pupils)
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John Ferneley Summer Art Exhibition 2007
On Tuesday 12th June the pupils of John Ferneley High School gave their parents an evening to remember.
They put on a display of art work that Ofsted agreed had examples of work that were of GCSE standard. All age groups and ability groups were represented. There were painting and ceramics in the style of Islamic, European and African arts. Examples of the range of subjects that pupils explore through any media including drawing and some sketchbooks. A truly outstanding exhibition. Well done to all the artists who took part.
On the same evening we hosted the grand final of our ‘Master Chef’ competition. This has been hotly contested over the last two months, with several rounds, to get us down to the 8 talented finalists.
You could have cut the atmosphere in the kitchen with a knife as the event got underway. Original recipes, fresh ingredients and a very high standard of cooking and presentation were the order of the day.
Once the dishes were presented, the Judges took a while to decide the winner due to the high standards. Conroy Godber, the Chair of Governors, was heard to comment that it was as good as the food on the QEII (he has just returned from his holidays).
The eventual winner was Samantha Crichton, winning £50 worth of vouchers. Jenny Davies was runner-up, winning £20 worth of vouchers.
All the competitors did a magnificent job though, and a big thank you goes to Darren Tinkler, our Chef, and also Tylers of Loughborough (www.tylersfurnishing.com) who donated the prizes. Thanks also to parents for supporting us, we hope to repeat these events next year.
If you are interested in looking at the food dishes or art work then visit our website on www.johnferneley.org.uk
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Anglo – French Partnerships
John Ferneley High School establish partnership with Collège Kléber, Strasbourg.
Links with Strasbourg
As part of the education agreement between Leicestershire County Council and the Académie de Strasbourg, a contact seminar was organised in order to set up partnerships between secondary schools. A teacher from ten Leicestershire schools and ten Strasbourg schools attended the residential weekend and all were successfully “married” by the conclusion of the seminar.
John Ferneley is no stranger to Collège Kléber, as our own pupils spent an entire morning attending classes there during the immersion course in February. An auspicious beginning to what we hope will be a long partnership !
The partnership work will begin in September 2007 with e-mail exchanges between our pupils and Collège Kréber pupils. It is envisaged that a two way exchange visit could take place once the partnership is firmly established.
Our partnership with Collège Kréber provides a very exciting opportunity for pupils and teachers alike as it brings an international dimension to school life .
Mrs Loftus
MFL Department
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‘Summer Nights’
Pupils performed a dazzling variety of music on a gloriously warm summer evening.
The band opened the concert playing ‘Summer Holiday’ in anticipation of their own summer break. This was followed by other high performing groups and solo items.
The new ‘Pop Music Workshop’ pupils made their debut playing in their bands and after four sessions.
The samba group excelled themselves and were full of their usual vitality and enthusiasm. Steel pan players made the audience think of even warmer countries and in contrast, the flute group performed a waltz for a ‘Wet Weekend’!
An entertaining evening culminated in the choir singing a variety of songs including &lsquo | 
