Latest News

Wimbledon 2010

All students and parents who are attending Wimbledon on Monday have now been informed. Mrs Rogerson has supplied all details to students. We hope you have a terrific day out.
**PHOTOS IN SENIORS' GALLERY**

Sport's Day Cancelled

Reserve Sports Day Monday 5th July 2010

Sadly, Sports Day has been cancelled due to the wet weather. Please remember our reserve Sports Day is on Monday 5th July when hopefully we can enjoy some sunny weather.

Non Uniform Day Friday 28th May

Dear Parents

This email is to remind you that we have a charity non-uniform day on Friday 28th May. Our chosen charity is the Teenage Cancer Trust. Please would you be kind enough to send your child in with £2 for this worthy cause.

Kind regards

Annie Wilkins
Head of Seniors

Infant Newsletter

19th May 2010

Dear Nursery and Infant Parents

This half term is going by so quickly, the weeks seem almost to be ‘blurring’ together.

I wondered if you might appreciate a reminder about special events in the next two or three weeks.

Monday 24th May, Year 1 and Year 2 Library Visit

Year 1 and Year 2 will be visiting Cambridge Central Library. If your child has a library ticket already, please bring it on Monday. Applications to join the Library should reach us by Friday 21st at the latest please. Each child will be allowed to borrow one book, which you will need to return to any Cambridgeshire Library within three weeks.

Thursday 27th May, Nursery and Reception visit Wimpole Home Farm (all day).

We hope your children, and those of you accompanying, will have a wonderful day.

Friday 28th May: Charity Pyjama Day

Children should dress in pyjamas for a relaxed end to the half term. Please remember to send your child in with £2 for our charity collection.

Half Term 31st May – 4th June

We hope the sun shines!

Cont’d overleaf
Nursery and Infant Sports Afternoon, 1.30 pm, Tuesday 8th June Fenners Sports Ground.

A very important date for your diary, and one which occurs on the first Tuesday of the next half term. Unusually early, so please ensure you have cleared your schedule to come along and cheer! Please check your child’s footwear fits correctly. Children may wear any suitable running shoes or trainers for Sports afternoon (no spikes though!).

You are cordially invited to the pavilion for tea and cakes afterwards. Our grateful thanks to SWPA for organising the refreshments.

The groundsmen at Fenners are very protective of the pitch, so please ensure that you do not walk on the hallowed turf! Once the children are handed over to you at the end of sports afternoon, they are of course your responsibility, and we would ask that they stay with you under your direct supervision. Thank you.

Poetry Week, 14th – 18th June, including Public Speaking Competition, Thursday 17th June.

Poetry Week is a new venture for the Nursery and Infant School. During what we hope will be a very exciting and interesting week, we will be sharing many favourite rhymes and poems, and some that are new to us. Cambridge poet, Tony Mitton, will be reciting his verse to each class. We will also be visited by Mary Medlicott, a very special story teller.

We will be holding our annual Public Speaking Competition during the morning of Thursday 17th June.

Those of you who are new to the school may not know that we ask all parents to chose and practise a nursery rhyme (Nursery, Reception), or fairly short poem (Years 1 and 2) with your child(ren), which they will then recite or read to the other children.

We are looking for children who manage to convey their love of rhyme/poetry, who can make others enjoy listening through expressive delivery.

Cont’d overleaf
Our aim is for every child to have a fun time, confidently and loudly sharing their rhyme/poem with others, while receiving maximum encouragement and support from their teachers and peers.

There will be a certificate for each child who takes part, and the winner in each age group will be presented with a book token. Please practise with your child, and encourage him/her in this gentlest of introductions to Public Speaking.

Tuesday 22nd June, Yr 2 Picnic at Cherry Hinton

By kind invitation of Dr Sturdy, the Year 2 class will visit their counterparts at the Cambridge International School during the day, for a picnic in the grounds of Cherry Hinton Hall.

The children will be making lunch in cookery sessions, and transporting it (carefully) on the minibus.

(A more detailed letter will be sent to Year 2 parents a little nearer the time.)

The Rest of Term

There are more activities after this date, of course, detailed in the school summer Term Calendar; (If you have mislaid your copy, Mrs Mapp or Mrs Hoppett in the office will find you another;) and I will be writing to you again in June.

Nursery lunches, 14th June – end of term.

After half term, we give the nursery children a week to “settle”, and then they will begin having lunch with the Infant school in the school hall. Familiar members of staff will be on hand to ensure a successful transition to a different type of lunchtime. We find this familiarises the children with routines and expectations, giving them a flying start when they become Reception children in September.

Cont’d overleaf

Year 1 prepare for Year 2

Just as the Nursery children will be adjusting to lunchtime in the school hall, it will be time for the Year 1 children to begin to prepare for Year 2. From 14th June, we would ask that Year 1 parents encourage their children to become a little more independent by hanging up their own things unaided, and taking responsibility for their own book bags, lunch boxes etc.

Unless you need to speak to Mrs Forgham/Mrs Raymont briefly, please do not go into class. A quick hug and off you go, knowing you are preparing your child well for September.

Two contributions from Mrs Taylor (Swimming Teacher)

Mrs Taylor writes:

‘I am delighted by how well swimming with Year 1 and Year 2 is going. Also all children have the required swim suits, briefs, bags etc so a BIG THANK YOU to parents for making the effort!

Just to keep you informed, Mr Mark Holdsworth from “Cambridge Diving” will be present for a ‘talent spotting’ session with Year 2s. This takes the form of a fun gym session. Some children may then be invited to a further session. If your child is selected, you will be notified. Thank you.’

I hope you are enjoying the late (though very welcome!) arrival of the sun and warmer weather. Long may it last.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Linda Russell
Head of Nursery and Infants

Sports Day

20th May 2010

Dear Parents,

Sports Day Tuesday 8th June

All parents are encouraged to come along, support, cheer and join in the events.

This letter is to remind you that the Senior and Junior Sports Day will be held on Tuesday 8th June, the day after returning from half term. It will start at 10am at Fenners (Gresham Road). The Infant Department are holding their Sports Day in the afternoon starting at 1.30 pm.

On Tuesday 8th June all pupils should come to school at the normal time dressed in PE kit and tracksuit. Pupils should strictly adhere to the correct PE kit for Sports Day, as follows:-

White T Shirt, black shorts, white socks, trainers and black tracksuit top and bottoms, towel, school uniform to change back into if it rains.

Depending on the weather, students should wear sunscreen and a hat and have a kagoul with them in the likelihood of rain. Whatever the weather each student should bring a good supply of fresh water. All pupils must bring asthma inhalers and epi-pens if used.

We are advising you well in advance to ensure that all the pupils are correctly kitted for an exciting sports programme.

The groundsman has asked parents to observe the following rules:-

• No cycles are to be brought into Fenners
• Buggies and prams are only permitted on the ground as long as they stay outside the boundary marker
• No high heels
• Visitors must stay in seated area until Sports Day has finished
• The seats are made of concrete so it would be advisable to bring a cushion!
• Parents are not allowed to park inside Fenners for security reasons and clamping by a private company is in force.

Continued overleaf

After the presentation of prizes the Senior and Junior children will be escorted back to school.

We look forward to an exciting morning of athleticism and sportsmanship from pupils and parents (a reminder all parents are welcome to join in the Parent Races).

Please note the reserve day for this event in case of inclement weather is Monday 5th July.

Yours sincerely

Carol Bordoli
Head of Juniors

Senior Exam Timetable

Monday 17th May
Year 7 English 1 Hr Biology 1 Hr PE
Year 8 Maths 1Hr (Calc) Spanish 1Hr PE
Year 9 Chemistry 40 mins History 1Hr PE
Year 10 Science 1Hr French 50 read + 50 write (11am) PE

Tuesday 18th May
Year 7 English 1Hr Geography 1Hr Maths (Calc)1 Hr
Year 8 English 1 Hr Physics 1hr RS 40 mins
Year 9 Maths 1Hr (Calc)French 1Hr RS 40 mins
Year 10 Spanish 50 mins RS 1 Hr History 1Hr 30

Wednesday 19th May
Year 7 Maths (non calc) Chemistry 1Hr French 1 Hr
Year 8 Geography 1Hr 30 mins Maths 1Hr French 1Hr
Year 9 Spanish 1Hr Maths 1 Hour Biology 40 minsLatin 40 min
Year 10 Maths 2 hours Latin Prose 45 mins Geography 1Hr 30

Thursday 20th May
Year 7 History 1 Hr Spanish 1 Hr RS 40 mins +Games
Year 8 English 1 Hr Chemistry 1 Hr
Year 9 Geography 1Hr Latin 40 mins English 1Hr
Year 10 English
2 hours Spanish writing 40 mins Lessons or Latin Language 1hr 15

Friday 21st May
Year 7 Physics 1Hr Latin 1Hr
Year 8 Biology 1 Hr History 1Hr
Year 9 English 1Hr 30 Physics 40mins 11:00 start
Year 10 Biology GCSE B1 B2 B3 (am) IGCSE English (pm)

New York City

The recent school trip to New York City was a great success. We took 21 students for a five day trip at the start of the Easter holidays. They are pictured sitting on the stage on which the Saturday Night Live show is recorded! Other activities in this media trip included a workshop at the New York Film Academy, visits to The Statue of Liberty and The Rockerfeller Center and a walking tour of Manhattan. We were also lucky enough to see a Robert de Niro film being made in Central Park and to be at the Apple Store for the launch of the new i-Pad.

Earth Hour

Here's Kaan Tyrell (Year 8) entering into the spirit of our bright clothes for Earth Hour Day. To raise awareness for this excellent idea we all 'accessorised' the usual uniform.

Here Comes The Sun

It's always nice to see the sunshine, with it comes the welcome sign of the students enjoying their lessons 'al fresco'. Here's Mr. Lord and his year 10s welcoming the start of what we hope will be a long hot summer!

Earth Hour

The Seniors will raise awareness for this event on Friday by wearing a brightly coloured item of clothing. Bright scarves, ties, hats etc are encouraged..

Big Cheque For Charity

The Juniors presenting Addenbrooke's Children Cancer Ward with a cheque for £630-00. Well done

School Council

We finally persuaded the Senior School Council to pose for a photo! Todays meeting (Weds 25th) saw us closing in on the agreed colour for the summer polo shirts, a discussion of what to do for Earth Hour and a frantic scoffing of Mrs Wilkins' chocolates!

Haiti Earthquake Appeal

Many thanks to all parents who donated so generously to this appeal. Our non-uniform day raised over a thousand pounds- £1.169.35, which is an excellent effort for a small school of 200 pupils.

SPECIAL NON-UNIFORM DAY FRIDAY 22ND JANUARY 2010

As you probably know...... A devastating earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale has struck Haiti causing an unfolding humanitarian crisis. Children have been killed and injured — many are in desperate need of clean water, shelter and medical help. Early reports indicate a large number of casualties and widespread damage.

The situation for Haiti was already difficult before the earthquake hit the island. Haiti is the one of the poorest countries in the world and is struggling to recover from years of violence, insecurity and massive natural disasters. More than half of the country's 9.6 million inhabitants are under 21 years of age.

18th January 2010

Dear Parents

Special Non-Uniform Day in Aid of The Haiti Disaster

The school is holding a special non-uniform day in aid the Haiti disaster on Friday 22nd January. I know we are all deeply affected by the plight of the people of Haiti and our hearts go out to them. We want to be part of the nation’s effort in raising funds to send to UNICEF who can get urgently needed help out to this island.

We would greatly appreciate you sending a donation in with your child on Friday 22nd January.

We know our parents, pupils and staff will be committed to this special fundraising day.

Yours sincerely

Richard Settle
Headmaster

GCSE Exam Success

Sancton Wood in Top 100 Schools (again!)

Our students sat a record number of GCSE exams this year and we are particularly proud of the results.
Once again our students achieved 100% A*-C grades and furthermore, in this mixed ability cohort, 100% of our students gained at least one A grade and 63% of our students gained at least one A*. To pile glory on glory, 108/197 exam grades were either A or A*. All this has placed us comfortably in The Times Top 100 schools based on exam results- at number 72.
This confirms what many already knew the smallness of Sancton Wood can really play to the strengths of the individual. However, in the words of Mr. Settle, "whilst we should celebrate these great results we should also recognise that each one of our year 11 students left this school as a fine, well mannered and rounded person. We want our students to secure good grades but equally we want them to enjoy school, learn about themselves and be prepared for the greater adventures beyond."

Year 11 Leavers' Ball

It was with much sadness that we said goodbye to our current Year 11 students on Friday 26th June. They have been a wonderful group of students and will be much missed. Their final day went really well, an emotional Leavers' Assembly was followed by a Ball during which the students enjoyed a chauffered punt down the river to St Johns College where they met their parents for drinks on the lawn, followed by a delicious meal. Best wishes Year 11, see you on results day!

CLASSIC HAT-TRICK

For the third consecutive year Sancton Wood School has won first prize in the Cambridge Classical Association Latin Play Competition.

Judge Marian Cleaver said, "It is with great pleasure that we award Sancton Wood with first prize for their dramatic skill and superb Latin pronunciation."

The annual competition took place at Coleridge School. St. Mary's gained second place. Perse Boys, Chesterton, Parkside and Coleridge also took part in the competition.

Our Latin teacher, Russell Lord, commented, " They are a great group of children who have worked with enthusiasm and they thoroughly deserve their victory. Their dedication and the direction of ace drama teacher Michelle Holman made for our success."

Twelve children were in the team from Sancton Wood who all had to perfect an authentic first century Roman accent and learn their words by heart.