USH Newsletters

• BSO 125 Project at The Royal Albert Hall

  Some of our students were fortunate enough to visit and contribute to the wonderful evening performance at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday 5th November. 
  All the participating students there were amazing but the stewards made a special mention about our USH students!  Some of our parents were at the Royal Albert Hall and I am sure they would agree the performance was simply phenomenal.  Everyone involved had conducted themselves so professionally throughout the rehearsal on Saturday and again on the Monday before the final performance.  We are very proud of all their achievements.  We have been told that many wonderful things have been said about the young musicians by BSO, James Redwood (composer of the piece) as well as the staff and volunteers who helped out.
  This event would not have been possible without the support of the Southampton Music Hub and the Bournemouth Symphonic Orchestra so huge thanks must go to them.
  

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• Grandparents Remembrance Coffee Morning

  We were delighted to welcome around 150 grandparents to USH this morning for our Grandparents Remembrance Coffee Morning.  Sadly the weather was not kind to us and we were forced to hold our short service in the hall.  Following the playing of the Last Post we held a two minutes silence, readings were given my Mr Woods and the Head Boy and Head Girl, the vicar from St James' Church, Dan Clark gave a short speech and the choir sang Flanders Fields.  Everyone then shared stories and memories over a cup of tea and a piece of cake.  It was wonderful to see so many students with their grandparents.

  Earlier in the morning Year 7 and 8 had an assembly where using the old school logbook from 100 years ago it was possible to re-enact what the Headteacher did at that time.

  
  

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• USH Community Project with St James’ Church:

  Our Year 7s have been working with St James’ Church to remember the local soldiers from our community by researching their Roll of Honour. On the wall of St James’ there is a plaque that a more well-off family paid for to remember their son Frank. The students have been creating similar plaques for the remaining 56 soldiers and reflecting on what this tells us about the impact on our community. These plaques were displayed to grandparents this morning and will be displayed at the church for Armistice Day on the Sunday where the Head Boy and Girl will be sharing how we have been marking the centenary at USH and laying an USH wreath on behalf of the school.
  

• We are in the Top 10 Schools in Hampshire!

  This week, USH has been rated in the top 10 schools in Hampshire; based on our summer exam results This is this proof of the commitment and expertise of all of staff and the dedication of Year 11 to finish their secondary school education with winning style.  Congratulations to everyone.
  

• Children In Need Fundraiser

  Due to the mock exams taking place over the next few weeks we held our Children In Need fundraiser last Friday.

  We are delighted to have raised almost £700 for this great cause so thank you to those of you who got involved in the activities over the day and donated.

  Perhaps next year we can raise even more?!
  

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• Celebrating Eric's Work

  Year 10 Photography student, Eric Watts, has been developing his photography skills as part of his Duke of Edinburgh skills assessment. The first area he wanted to tackle was wildlife photography, the second sports photography. Working out of school in his own time, he has taken some amazing photographs so far. As you can see, he is a talented student whose work should be celebrated. So well done Eric.
  

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• Code Plus Hub

  This week saw the start of a new after school club at Upper Shirley High. It’s called the Code Plus Hub and is run in conjunction with Southampton University. Students have volunteered to come in and inspire our students to explore computer coding using the ‘BBC micro:bit’ (a wonderfully flexible programmable gadget designed by the BBC). Sixteen girls and eight boys from Key Stage 3 came along to the first session. They met the micro:bit and programmed it to display graphics and respond to movement. These excellent sessions are open to anyone who wants to find out more about computer coding and run from 2.45 to 3.45 on a Tuesday in ICT2.
  

• One City, No Barriers

  A group of year 8 students attended a city wide RS conference this week, “One City, No Barriers” where they met a wide range of faith representatives across the city including Muslims, Quakers Humanists  and Baha’i followers. They shared their experiences of living in Southampton and how this affected their religion. Our students were mixed into groups with students from St Anne’s, Oasis Sholing, Regents Park and Bitterne Park to create presentations around the theme of breaking down barriers to unite Southampton residents into One City. Working with students they did not know certainly challenged our students, and forced them to move beyond their barriers but as one Year 8 commented “It brought communities together and friendships were made that I didn’t think I could be made” . With the students further describing the event as inspirational and giving them the opportunity to meet people with a wide range of religious views , it was certainly a successful day.
  

  

• Information from Public Health

  Please find attached a guidance sheet providing simple information on common winter illnesses and appropriate signposting to assist with keeping our children and young people well this winter.  This guidance is issued on behalf of the Healthier Together Campaign, a joint initiative between the NHS and Public Health. The information will enable you to be aware of the medical advice relating to winter illnesses – in particular, letting you know where they should go to access services, as well as when and if your child should remain off school.

  More detailed  information can be sourced via the Public Health England or Healthier Together website’s
  

  

• Maths Solution and Challenge 3

  Have a go at the Maths Challenge!
  

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• Jubilee Swimming Academy

  Please see the poster advertising a great opportunity for children aged 9 - 14 years to learn to swim at a discounted price.