USH Newsletters

• Remembering Ruth

  It is with great sadness that we report the death of our former colleague, Ruth Peak.  Several USH colleagues attended Ruth's funeral this week and we extend our deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

  Ruth joined Bellemoor School, as it was then, in 1987 and was Head of Languages and an Assistant Head for many years.

  A force to be reckoned with, she worked unstintingly to help and support her students and colleagues.  She never accepted less than the best and her desire to stretch and challenge others led to excellent learning outcomes and a shared pride in a job well done.

  She had a wicked sense of humour and a way of making individuals of all ages feel valued. 

  She will be sorely missed.

• Year Leader Update September 2019

  Each year we assess the needs of our year groups and consider the experience of the different members of the pastoral team in determining which year leader will work with which students. We have therefore taken the decision to align the Heads of Year to the following year groups for the new academic year 2019-20.

  Year 7 (current Yr 6) – Miss Dunne

  Year 8 (current Yr 7  - Mrs Rendall

  Year 9 (current Yr 8) – Mrs Fortune

  Year 10 (current Yr 9) – Mrs Baillie

  Year 11 (current Yr 10) – Mr Hall

  Knowledge of students and strong relationships will continue to be a priority and the school will ensure adequate handover between Year Leaders in matters related to student care, wellbeing and support.  Opportunities to meet Heads of Year will be possible during the ‘Meet the Tutor’ evening in September or via direct contact with the school through the usual channels.

   

• Year 10 Photography trip to City College

  20 Year 10 students were lucky enough to experience the amazing Photography course at City College last week. Using the lighting equipment the students created a variety of moods, using bright lighting to capture movement and low lighting to create shadows. This was followed by a session in the dark room. Using light sensitive paper and foliage collected from the garden, the students developed photograms, black and white images which are the basis for photography.

  All the students enjoyed the day and many new skills were learnt.

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• Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions

  Our Duke of Edinburgh students successfully completed their assessed expedition last weekend with flying colours. They had a few false starts on the Saturday but had great success on the Sunday. Their assessors were impressed with the student’s attitude and behaviour. The teams worked really well together supporting each other throughout the weekend.

  After arriving at the campsite and setting up tents, students set about getting their dinner cooked and cleaning up before relaxing with a game or just talking but they all seemed to enjoy themselves. The following morning having got up at 5.00am cooked breakfast and decamped the students where rearing to go at set of earlier than expected.

  Some students enjoyed the experience so much they are keen to sign up to their Silver award. 

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• Miss Wright-Davies is Our Champion!

  We are proud to have a champion amongst us!  On Friday 26^th and Saturday the 27^th of April Miss Wright-Davies went to Cardiff to play squash at the Welsh institute of Sport.

  Miss Wright-Davies said 'I was selected to play at number one for Wales in the home internationals against England, Ireland and Scotland. Each team had 5 players ranking from 1 as the best down to number 5 in seeding. I had a very successful weekend and managed to beat the Irish and Scottish number 1 players 3:0. My third and final game was against the England number 1 which I knew would be my hardest game. I was 2-0 down and changed my tactics and came back to win 3:2 making me the only unbeaten player in the home internationals weekend.'

  Well done Miss Wright-Davies!

• Footballing Success for the Girls

  The Girls year 7/8 Football team won the league. This is the first year USH has entered the girls into the football league and came out triumphant. Well done for your excellent effort and brilliant displays of sportsmanship.

  

• Netball Success

  USH entered a team from Year 7 and one from Year 8 into the Netball Cup Tournament held on Tuesday 30th April.  Both teams were amazing and played really well.  

  I am delighted to say that the Year 7 team were placed 3^rd.  Year 8 having won the warm up tournament and the league continued with their success and won Cup Tournament too.

  Well done both teams!

   

• Team Spirit at USH

  On the last day of term we were delighted to welcome over 100 students from our feeder schools in for a sports event.  They arrived with the Team Spirit crew and played netball. Our Sports prefects are always keen to help at these events and this one was no exception.  A great time was had by all.

• Work Experience - Could You Offer a Placement?

  As you are aware at USH we strongly believe that work experience provides an invaluable insight into life after school and informs future choices

  In the past a number of students have excelled during their placements and as a result have been offered part-time work or apprenticeships.

  We would like our students to have the opportunity of placements within sectors they are interested in.  Several students have contacted employers without success.  Areas of interest include accountancy, law, architecture, engineering, motor repair, IT, administration, police and design.  If you work within these sectors, or indeed any other sector and are able to offer a placement or provide contact details it would be much appreciated.  Year 10 work experience is scheduled for 15^th - 19^th July. 

   

• The Careers and Apprenticeship Show – 14th May

  St Mary’s stadium will be the venue for the Careers and Apprenticeship Show. This exciting event brings together a range of employers who will be showcasing careers and apprenticeship opportunities for young people.  The event will have a focus on opportunities with pathways through level three to higher and degree apprenticeship levels. 

  Parents/carers can attend the event from 1700 – 1900.  There will be an opportunity to:

  ·         Gain access to impartial careers advice

  ·         Learn how to apply for an apprenticeship

  ·         Talk to employers

  ·         Investigate what levels of apprenticeships are offered by businesses

  If you would like to visit the show, please sign-up:

  https://www.sunoutreach.org/excluded-events/cas-southampton-2019/

• Requests from the Careers Department

  Year 7 visit to Solent University

  As you are aware if you son/daughter has not already visited a university they will be visiting Solent University on 8^th or 9^th May.  If you haven’t already done so, please return permission slips to me as soon as possible.

   

  Year 10 Taster Days

  You will already have received an on-line letter regarding upcoming taster days in July.   All Year 10 students will be expected to attend the Richard Taunton taster day on Thursday 11^th July and one other taster day:

  Peter Symonds Sixth Form College	Wednesday 3rd July
  City College	Tuesday 9th July
  Eastleigh College	Tuesday 9th July
  Itchen Sixth Form College	Tuesday 9th July
  Barton Peveril Sixth Form College	TBC

  If you have not already completed the permission form and returned it on-line please do so as soon as possible.

  Support needed

  If you would like to take part in career activities including:

  ·         Meet the Professional – speed networking event

  ·         Ask the Expert – 15 minute talk

  ·         Mock Interviews – interviewing and providing feedback to students

  Please contact me for further information.

  carey.anderson@ushschool.org