Local news
Raynes Park High School - April 2015
INAUGURAL DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY - SUMMER SHOW
We have a very exciting date in the school calendar fast approaching. No, I’m not talking about the end of the summer term; I am in fact referring to the inaugural Design and Technology Summer Show. In what we hope will be an annual event, we will be showcasing the best work from across all the years, in a spectacular week long show. We will kick the week off with an evening Private View of the work, where we will have a live fashion show, music and food and drink, all provided by the students themselves. The exhibition will then remain up for the following week in the Design and Technology department. The exhibition will feature work from all disciplines in Design and Technology, including Graphic Design, Fashion and Textiles, and Product Design. Food will also be prepared and provided by some of our Catering students. We will be showcasing GCSE and A Level coursework, alongside the best work from Years 7, 8 and 9. We will also be displaying teacher led work, and the work of our triumphant Robotics teams.
The Private View will take place on Wednesday 6th May from 5-7pm in the workshops in the Design and Technology building. The exhibition will then continue until Wednesday 13th May.
Head of Design and Technology - Mr. Pull
YEAR 10 EXPLORE THE WORLD OF WORK
It was a real treat to visit Rebeka Raffai and Tahir Ali on work experience at West Barnes Library. Staff told me they were very pleased with both students and it was clear on my visit that both Rebeka and Tahir were making the most of the opportunity to experience day to day life in the workplace. I was given a guided tour of the library and was shown the excellent World Book Day display and poster that the students had created. Both students were really enjoying the placement (Tahir is now a huge fan of the Dewey Decimal System) and are considering volunteering at the library at weekends! I returned confident in the knowledge that students who really get 'stuck in' to their placement get a fantastic experience that stays with them long after the week is over.
Media English Teacher - Mr. Hebden
STUDENTS GO WILD IN WALES
On 22nd of February, a selection of "Highly Achieving Highly Skilled" students from Years 10 and 11 were taken on an incredible three day trip to the Snowdonia National Park in Wales. I was lucky enough to be invited on this trip, and I can honestly say it was one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my life.
On arrival and after a very short rest, we found ourselves covered in waterproof clothing with wellies and hiking boots on, ready for our first challenge. We were going to build shelters which we hoped would shelter us from the rain.
The next day, the real challenge began. Originally, we were hoping we would be hiking up Mount Snowdon, however, we were told the conditions on the mountain were too dangerous for us to climb. Not wanting to spoil our day, we made a quick decision with our guides and decided to hike around the mountains surrounding a beautiful lake. Although this may sound less exciting than climbing up Mount Snowdon, actually hiking around rather than up the mountain may have created a much more enjoyable experience.
The trip took much of the day and was hard work. Our legs were aching and sore by the time we arrived back at the coach, however, the beautiful scenery and quiet that surrounded us was a blissfully beautiful occurrence, which was worth the hike.
On our final day, we completed a morning of orienteering, using maps to help us find our points. The woodland was beautiful, and helped myself, as well as many of the other students who attended the trip, appreciate the nature around us. It also challenged some of the students who previously said that they did not enjoy the outdoors and didn't think that they would do very well to realise their own capabilities, and challenge themselves.
Overall, the trip to Wales was a complete success, and helped to teach some very valuable lessons about perseverance, challenging ourselves, and overcoming our fears. I'm sure many of the students, and even some of the teachers, will benefit from the skills and attitudes that were developed as they look towards the future with college applications and the changes to come.
Young Reporter—Paige Chappell
