A trumpet fanfare for the end of Autumn term at the
Winter Entertainment Evening ……
There was a packed programme for the finale of the year, with performances from the Year 7 brass band, Vocal Group, Piano Circus, Ayub our Speak Out! Challenge finalist, Piano Quartet, the English National Ballet Dance Group, Samba Group, Big Band, Senior Brass and the Gallipoli Memorial Project introduced by Nick Peacey.
Thank you to Mr Pratt, Mr Forbat and Mr Singleton, along with music peri’s Deidre Waller-Box, Tony Gray, Richard Martyn, James Ryan, Daisy Coole plus Katie Cambridge from ENB.
Last and not least to WESPA for providing refreshments and running the best every Winter Raffle.
School Council News
Last year the school council asked the headteacher whether the last day of each half term could be a non-uniform day with boys donating £1 to charities chosen by the school council. This was agreed.
At the end of the Autumn half term the school raised £195.93 for the Royal British Legion for this year’s Armistice Centenary Appeal.
On the last day of term, the school raised a whopping £485.00 donating £242.50 each to Shelter and Save the Children.
This continues to be a great initiative for raising money for wider community.
As can be seen, the 6th form students are working (and relaxing) really well in their new dedicated joint WES/PHS 6th form centre which opened in September.
LaSWAP Concert
November saw another successful LaSWAP concert at St. Martin’s Church. The LaSWAP concerts join together staff and students from all year groups (not just 6th formers) in all four LaSWAP Consortium schools – La Sainte Union, William Ellis, Acland Burghley and Parliament Hill Schools to perform together.
Peter West, Head of Camden Music Service wrote to Sam White, “The range of music performed was impressive and challenging and the standard of musicianship and performance outstanding. The Big Band and Vocal Group demonstrated the high quality of music at William Ellis and the joint item with Parliament Hill jazz musicians was an exciting development, which I hope may continue. The ease with which staff and tutors from each school worked together throughout the evening has become a remarkable feature of these concerts. Ensuring the smooth running of a concert featuring fifteen diverse groups is no mean feat.”
Ellis Alumni
Last month the Ham & High were in touch with us to let us know that one of our “Old Elysians”, Franklin Azolukwam, (WES 93-98) had sadly got caught up in the Windrush scandal and due to being unable to work had fallen behind with his rent and was in danger of being evicted from the flat where his family have lived for many years. His ex-classmates had set up a crowdfunding page for him, which was being supported by older and younger ex-students. It is gratifying to know that the William Ellis family is ever supportive of each other.
We were very sorry to hear of the passing of two “Old Elysians” that have given a great deal to the school over the years – Eamon Caffrey and Vic McRae. We send our condolences to their families.
Music Department News
We are pleased to share with you that the following boys received certificates at the end of the summer term from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.
Ciaran – Grade 5 Trumpet
Archie – Grade 2 Piano
Oliver – Grade 6 Violin
Roko – Grade 3 Piano
Magnus – Grade 6 Trumpet
The Mill needs you!
The beginning of October saw a busy working weekend at The Mill.
The working weekend at the Old Mill, Forest Green, Saturday October 6th 2018.
Volunteer Peter Woodman wrote:
“Following our early turn in, the previous evening and with the prospect of heavy rain due on Saturday, we were all up and at breakfast by 8.00 a.m. and at work soon afterwards. The priority was to dismantle the 16 tents and have them airing in the yet-to-be taken down marquee. Our small party was soon joined by Mr Wharton, (Director of 6th Form and Science Teacher), his wife and their 2 delightful children (shown on the bench). I repaired 2 of the outside benches while Jack completed repairing the garage doors. Omar oversaw the reclamation of logs from all over the estate, transporting them by tractor and trailer to the wood store.
By Noon, the forecast heavy rain had commenced, so work was found under cover. We were able to saw and split logs inside the garage, for the wood-burning stove, sufficient to last through the winter.
Adrian could busy himself with over-hauling the computers in the Cass Building. A few of us rectified the waste discharge from the kitchen's dish-washer. Even a nice dry job like fitting a couple of pencil sharpeners was completed.
Su's very tasty dinner was really appreciated by all of us. There were a few bottles of wine to round off the day.”
The next Mill working weekend will be from Friday - Sunday 22nd-24th March. All WES families are welcome to come along to the working weekends. You can stay all weekend or just come for the day. If you are interested in getting involved, please do call or email Su Jones at the Mill. (Tel: 01306 621452 or email themill452@gmail.com) She would be delighted to hear from you.
Other working weekend dates this year are 21st-23rd June and 5th-7th October.
Building Works at the School
The new music and drama spaces in our new extension – the north wing – have now been completed. We hope to have a special opening evening so that parents can come along and see the new facilities and enjoy seeing the new spaces in action.
HOUSE NEWS
One of the highlights of the numerous House events this term was the renowned WES Bake-Off. Mr White was called upon to carry out the waistline expanding task of trying out many of the cakes and biscuits to help with the judging.
Mr White commented:
“1stprize has to go to Willow, with the homemade cup-cake bearing the Willow badge. Incredibly sweet.
All nearly got points deducted for leaving so many cakes & biscuits in my room - ginger biscuits also v good - liked the cat complete with curled tail.
2nd prize: Fenton for classic Victoria sponge and also great display.
Thank you so much Ms Conran for organising and giving it so much enthusiasm. Well done on fund raising.”
Poetry Competition
The Annual House Poetry Competition was organised by Mr Difusco, English Teacher and House Leader. Entries were displayed in Room 29 for staff to cast votes. The headteacher and Chair of Governors, Fiona Millar, considered the shortlisted poems – with the following results. The standard was exceptionally high and it was a difficult judgement but all the boys entering are to be congratulated on their poems.
Winnning Poem by George of Fenton House (9F):
Oracy – Camden Learning Hub and Voice 21
Ms Strike, Lead Practitioner for English has been working with primary and secondary schools throughout the term with the help of Mr Singleton as part of the Camden Learning Hub for Oracy to embed oracy into the whole school culture here at WES and the other participating Camden schools. The school hosted a whole day event for Camden teachers in the new Drama studio.
Science Department News
Leon Dailaini, an ex-William Ellis pupil, came to say hello. He also told us that he has been given a place at Cambridge to read Natural Sciences! He wanted to thank the staff at WES for giving him an excellent academic foundation. Two other pupils from his cohort have also been awarded Oxbridge places this year - Yedidiah Tilhahun and Claudio Bardoshi.
You can spot Leon and Yedidiah here on a visit to Oxford with Mr Germanos a few years ago:
ART DEPARTMENT NEWS
This term Ms Madsen, the new Head of Art introduced “The Big Draw” to the school. She provided the following information to stimulate a very productive day.
The big draw is a national event that takes place each year. Major museums and galleries are involved and many schools. It is used to promote drawing as a tool for learning and understanding. It is also to widen perception of what drawing is.
MORE INFO @ https://thebigdraw.org/
What do I need to do?
On the 17th October all lessons will be drawing based, or contain a drawing element so no matter what subject you teach you need to plan to include drawing as a tool for teaching and learning.
Why should I do it?
There are several reasons ….
- It allows the school to be part of a huge national event
- It allows you to trial new ways of teaching – plans and outcomes can be used for your teaching file/ threshold etc.
- You can win house points for your lesson or for your student’s work!
- Drawing is a great way to supports student’s cognition and organisation and general thinking routines.
It is great fun!
What if I need more help?
Ideas for each subject area are attached or talk to an art / DT teacher!
Happy Drawing!
Highgate Chapel visits by Year 7 in December organised by Ms Conway – one of our angels arrives!
Year 8 Projects
Highgate Library Art Project with artist Darcy Turner:
Shakespeare’s School Festival – Year 8 Macbeth
Year 8 give flawless performance of Macbeth at the Shakespeare's Schools Festival!
Lukas Angelini the stage director writes:
“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to William Ellis School for your fantastic production of Macbeth as part of the 2018 Shakespeare Schools Festival. It was a brilliant night of theatre, and I’d like to highlight just a few elements that really stood out.
A seamless performance that was flowing like music. You showed real talent in listening and rhythm. You took time when you had to and you had speed when needed. You were working together as a tight-knit group throughout the performance and rehearsals. This helped to tell the story wonderfully especially when it was time to say good bye to Macbeth!
What made this story work exceptionally well overall was the way that it employed all the very best methods of storytelling. Big facial expressions, fantastic gestures and voices which were full of variation You got to grips with intentions of your characters and that helped you with embodying your roles and made it come alive.
You had no problems of springing quick into action which was very much appreciated on the night. There was a great readiness and resourcefulness to your troupe during rehearsals, a skill which will help hugely you in the professional world!
A slick performance from a bound together ensemble that brought out magnificently the plight of Macbeth.
Performing Shakespeare’s words on a professional stage takes courage, resilience, and imagination. You and your teachers should all incredibly proud of what you have achieved.
I hope to see William Ellis School in the Festival again next year!”
Year 9 Lauderdale House Identity Poetry Event with poet Anthony Anaxagorou
Spoken Identity – a poetry inspired poetry project ran by Lauderdale House was held on Friday 14th December, featuring Mohammed, Ezra, Ciaran, Donnell, Breno, Teo, Oscar, Sonny, Harvey, Kye, Ronnie, Bilal, Kenzy, Mahir, George, Peter, Archie, Orson, Jonah, Blendi, Roberto and Craig.
Thanks to Mr Glover, Ms Oskaya and Ms Tappin for organising the event.
A special thanks to the parents that came to support the boys and for their supportive comments on the project.
Mr Glover said: “It was a very proud moment and I too was moved by the courage and talent on display.
We are in early discussion with Lauderdale House about some sort of publication of a collection of the poems which have been created through the project over the past three years, so watch this space as there may still be another outing for them yet!”
Year 10 Graphics Students – Design for Life Trip
Year 11 Boys busy in the special study area allocated to them before and after school for revision etc. Mr Patel is helping with Maths.
Staff News
Congratulations to Mrs Mandy Seeburn, Director of Operations, who was chosen to receive a Volunteer of the Year Award for her contribution to the work of Age UK, Waltham Forest.
Staffing for Spring Term 2019
We have some staff leavers at the end of this Autumn term but have successfully recruited new staff for the Spring term. We send our very best wishes to all the staff leaving us and thank them for their service to the school and welcome new staff to the school.
Ms Rachel Delisser our SENDCO is retiring at the end of the month.
Mr Joey Glover, currently Assistant Head of Years 7 & 8, lead for Personal, Social and Health Education and English teacher will be taking on her role. He will still teach some English lessons.
Ms Sherine Douglas, Business & Economics teacher is leaving the school.
Mr Mohammed Hafesji is joining the school to teach Business & Economics.
Ms Aurelia Hutu, Science teacher is leaving at the end of her term’s contract.
Mr Philip Saker is joining the school to teach Science.
Mr Crispin Germanos, Senior Pastoral Leader and History teacher is taking paternity leave for 6 weeks.
Mr Tim Ryan is joining the school to teach History for 6 weeks.
Ms Lucy Strike, Lead Practitioner – English, is starting maternity leave.
Ms Eleanor Fairbanks is joining the school to teach English.
Please note that student timetables will be changing in January and these will be sent to you before the start of ter
Messages for Parents from School Office/Camden/Local Groups
The school office often receives calls from parents with questions about school rules on various matters.
Often school rules are shared with students in their tutorials but messages don’t always make it home. For your information, the following was shared during tutorial with the boys in September regarding mobile phones:
Interested in engineering?
Parents have brought two websites to the school’s attention for those students interested in engineering. The Smallpiece Trust offers courses for school age students and The Arkwright Scholarship trust who offer scholarships. Do “google” to find their websites for further information.
FREE Adult Community Learning courses will be STARTING IN JANUARY 2019!All courses are free for adults aged 19+ and give priority to Camden residents.We deliver English (ESOL), Computer, Family learning and Preparing for employment courses. Courses are delivered in community venues across the borough.
Courses this spring term will include:
- Computer Skills Workshop
- Beginners coding using Scratch
- Using iPhones and iPads for beginner
- Create your own website using Wordpress
- Digital storytelling
- Computing for active minds (for people aged over 50)
- Family learning
- MS Microsoft Office packages
- Employability courses to support people in finding work
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is being rolled out across Camden. All of our computer workshops and beginner computer courses are suitable for Camden residents who would like to improve their digital skills in order to register with Universal Credit and manage their online account.
We also have the following dedicated course:
Computer skills for Universal Credit at SHELL, Linnell House, NW8 0HS
Learn how to use your online Universal Credit account. Come along and learn basic
computer skills to help you claim Universal Credit and manage your account online.
Highlighted Courses
Tell your story – an oral history project at Adult Learning Centre, Netley Campus, NW1 3EX
Learn the digital and communication skills needed to record, capture and share your own personal
story online. Or you can share the story of a family member, friend, colleague or member of your community.
Money management at SHELL, Linnell House, NW8 0HS
Come along to a series of workshops where you will learn basic money management skills,
budgeting, ways to save on your shopping and utility bills and much more.
Create a website using Wordpress at Pancras Square Library, N1C 4AG
Create a website for business or pleasure using the free Wordpress software.
Volunteering
We also have volunteering opportunities for people who would like to support Camden residents to develop skills.
For more information on Camden Adult Community Learning please visit: www.camden.gov.uk/adultlearning. We are always happy to discuss the option of running similar courses in different venues to suit your clients.
If you would like to register or ask a question, you can contact the Camden Adult Community
Learning team in any of the following ways:
Call: 020 7974 2148
Email: adultlearning@camden.gov.uk
Web: www.camden.gov.uk/adultlearning
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From Breakin’ Convention (Moving Rap)
We have a really great opportunity for a FREE week long project during half term at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in Islington for 13-16 year olds.
They get to work with professional artist mentors for 6 days, planning, designing and producing their own music video in a group of 25 young people.
This involves making the beat, recording the lyrics, set designing, dancing, acting and filming a video.
There is limited space so please do encourage young people to apply as soon as possible.
The project takes place over the half term week of 18-23rd February 2019, every day 10am-4pm at Sadler’s Wells Theatre and is absolutely FREE.
The video is then premiered at a youth showcase at Sadler’s wells theatre on Saturday 16th March, hosted by the participants including performance opportunities for anyone who wants to perform as well as booked young artists.
Following that the music video goes on our BCTV channel and then is screened at the huge Breakin Convention Festival in May along with free tickets to the festival for the participants. This is last year’s video with young people all over London.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kno-P9UD3Xc
APPLY HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPtm7kOMLTaUlCtkFhFXXU09RSrbSUPT0WXArlHcMtuN9sxg/viewform
