Redhill goes Strength to Strength

Redhill Goes from Strength to Strength

Issue 20 AUTUMN 2017

REDHILL SCHOOL 2017 RESULTS

IN THIS ISSUE Redhill pupils achieved
outstanding results in the GCSE
Sri Lanka Visit exams this summer across a
The Addams Family wide range of subjects. The
Peter’s Hill Music Day exam qualifications have
Startin Honda become increasingly difficult
Competition with new specifications and
News from the grading in English and
Learning Centre Mathematics; but Redhill pupils
Trips and Visits have responded magnificently
An Opportunity of a to the challenge and recorded
Lifetime very impressive grades.
Humanitarian
Enrichment Day Core subject areas achieved some of our highest ever results with 88% of Redhill
Class of 2017 Prom pupils leaving with a standard pass in English and 83% of pupils achieved a
Competitions standard pass in Mathematics. A striking 84% of our pupils also achieved two
GSUS live Bus grades at A*- C in Science subjects. The percentage of pupils gaining a standard
Black Country Food pass in both English and Mathematics is 79%.
Bank
Peer Mentors Results for separate Science subjects are excellent with 55% of the grades
Summer Concert awarded in Biology, Chemistry and Physics being A* or A. The DFE gold standard
Redhill Leadership English Baccalaureate was highly impressive with 56% of Redhill students gaining
Academy this qualification. This figure again puts Redhill significantly above the national
Sport average for pupils gaining the English Baccalaureate.

The top 12 pupils in the school
this year achieved between
them 12 Grade 9s and 13
Grade 8s in English or Maths
and 50 A* and 39 A grades in
other GCSE subjects. Alice
Moore and Millie Cattell, our
top achieving girls, gained the
equivalent 16 A* and 10 A
grades at GCSE. Our highest
achieving boy, Silas Vanden
Branden, achieved the
equivalent of 6 A* and 3 A
grades at GCSE.

“Commitment to excellence” These are brilliant results. We are delighted with the fantastic achievements of
our pupils this year. A large number of students have achieved top grades in their
subjects and are now going onto the courses they have chosen. We are very
proud of every pupil who has left us this year to pursue the next stage of their
education.

SRI LANKA VISIT

“I had the most Way back in 2015, a very lucky group of students went to
amazing time Sri Lanka to see and help with the building of Moragalla School,
working with all which we had raised funds for. As soon as the group got back,
the pupils from Mrs Beeston and Miss McGrail were straight on to planning a
Moragalla, I came return journey for when the building work was finished.
back home a
different person.” So, at 2pm on 1st July 2017, nearly two years later, the day finally
Sami Brasenell. arrived. The entire group had been waiting for this moment
with equal excitement and nerves, but we were finally there and
MONDAY once we had said goodbye to our friends and family and stepped
onto the coach, we were off!

There was a last minute change to the staffing as, sadly, Miss
McGrail had to return home for personal reasons. Fortunately
Mr Cousins was able to step into the breach. We arrived at
Heathrow airport at 6:00pm where the group were whisked
through check-in and all went to plan. We went through
security with only one ‘unnamed’ student getting stopped for ‘harbouring a dangerous can of
coke’ (which she subsequently managed to down in one!). We had time in duty free for
refreshments and relaxation (or maybe just for the excitement to build!) and made contact
with Mr Cousins who had thrown some clothes into a bag and chased after us down the
motorway! The flight was around 10½ hours long and we finally touched down in Colombo
airport at 12:55pm local time (BST + 4½ hours) on Sunday.

Having gone through customs, immigration and changing our currency we got on the coach
where we were gifted hand crafted fabric bags and
elephants made by local ladies, together with
information about the trip. After two hours we stopped
and ate at none other than … Pizza Hut before re-
boarding the coach for a further four hours to the Yala
National Park and the Jetwing Yala Hotel. The country
truly was so peaceful and beautiful that many did not
actually believe we were there after all of that time!
We were welcomed like royalty at the hotel with cold
flannels, refreshments and a traditional buffet dinner
before everyone flopped into their rooms to sleep, after
an extremely long 48 hours. (The room service was
amazing as all of our bags had already arrived there).

Monday was an early 4:30am get up (12:00 BST) to start
our first day – a safari! We travelled in safari jeeps and
saw an amazing collection of animals:
buffalo, monkeys, a mongoose, a fish owl,
elephants and a leopard. Then we even
stopped at a beach! After, we were
back to the hotel for breakfast and
onto the coach by 10:30 to move to
the next hotel on the other side of
the island. En route we stopped for
lunch at Fort Dew in Galla (which is
the largest fort in the country). An
hour and a quarter later we arrived
at the Eden Hotel and Spa Resort and
were once again blown away by the
whole place! We had another royal
welcome with flower garlands,
flannels and drinks and some people lit incense to welcome us. Then our group went for
a swim in the massive pool until 7:00pm before dinner at 8:15pm.

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Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

SRI LANKA VISIT

Breakfast was 8:00am and then we had the TUESDAY
10 minute drive down to the school where we
were welcomed by the school marching band.
We were all given flower bouquets and a welcome
assembly with performances from the students.
Refreshments were then offered in our new school
building and the Year 9s and 10s took gifts of art
books and paints around the primary school before
the whole group played a series of sports games
with the Moragalla pupils until we left at 1:30pm.
After was lunch and the pool. Our next outing was
a 1½ - 2 hour boat safari with some of us even
holding a baby caiman! Then it was back for dinner,
the pool and a cultural performance of local dancers and musicians.

Another early start with us getting up at 4:00am for a 5:00am departure with our packed WEDNESDAY
lunches. Although the journey to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was supposed to take 5
hours, we somehow managed it in 3¼! We saw elephants crossing the road as soon as we got
there and then two 3 year old elephant brothers. We then had a feeding
photo experience before walking down to the river where we saw the
elephants having a wash. As we were so early, we went into the shops to
‘barter’ for the best prices for gifts for home. Following this was lunch at a
hotel overlooking the river before we moved ten minutes down the road
to a tea factory where we were shown the seven steps to Ceylon tea
production. Next we had 4½ hours on the coach back to the hotel where
we once again hit the pool (is there a pattern occurring here or is that just
me?)

Got up at 6:45am for THURSDAY
what Mrs. Beeston
called a ‘relaxed day’ “It really was a
and had breakfast. We arrived at the truly humbling
school at 8:40am and set up our activities experience and I
and were given one of the classrooms in felt honoured to
our new block for drama and go, everyone was
use of the field for sports. just so friendly
Each group had a 30 minute
lesson and our students had and happy!”
to run the sessions for the 20 James Jackson
or so Sri Lankan primary
school students in each
class! Next we moved into another of our classrooms where we did painting and
crafts with them, making sweet boxes for the children and bunting which we
hung in the room. Later we got all of the children outside and did some massive
silly songs (‘heads-shoulders-knees and toes’, ‘do
the hokey-cokey’ and ‘if you’re happy and you
know it, clap your hands’.) At the conclusion of
our fun-filled session, we went back to the hotel
for, yes you guessed it, lunch and the pool and at
2:50pm, we did community service by doing a
litter pick on the beach. After getting water from
‘Sheila’ (the local shopkeeper), it was dinner and
then some of our group participated in a ‘fashion
show’ of traditional dress - some of us looked
incredibly silly! After was the beach party. How
relaxing was that for you?

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Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

FRIDAY SRI LANKA VISIT
SATURDAY
We all met in the foyer at 8:50am and boarded the coach yet again, because we were
PAGE on our final day at the school we set up a cricket game. The only problem was that our

scratch team was playing against Moragalla’s actual school team,
great! They batted first and gained 145 runs and then we were up
next, gaining a grand total of … wait for it … 95 runs … WOW! But
that wasn’t the point as everyone enjoyed it (and I’m sure we let
them win, didn’t we?) We had a photo of all the Redhill and
Moragalla pupils on the roof before it was time to leave. That truly
was an extremely emotional experience for many people and it was
very hard to actually walk away, even after such a short time with
the pupils, as many had made strong bonds. Mrs Beeston was
presented with a wooden elephant plaque by one of the parents (a
tuk-tuk driver) as a thank you to the school for helping his son with
extra lessons so that he would be able to apply for a scholarship.
Back at the hotel it was
time for lunch and the
pool and at 4:00pm
some of us walked
down the beach to
some little shops and back. Later we went on
some specially decorated tuk-tuks for a hair-
raising journey to the turtle farm where we were
lucky enough to get close to baby and adult
turtles and were even luckier to be able to release
a baby turtle each! On our return, the hotel staff
treated us to a very special garden / pool side
banquet to celebrate and thank us for all that we
had done. After, we presented Mrs Beeston with
her present but Mr Cousins stole the show as he
wore some of his most outrageous, sorry, “lovely”
clothes he had wasted / used all of Mrs Beeston’s
money on!

Then it was Saturday and none of us could quite
believe that the week was nearly over. We rose
at 5:45am just to see a massive tropical storm
right outside our window. The group finished
packing up and vacated our rooms before going
down for breakfast. By the time we came out,
our bags were already downstairs. We took the

coach for the last time to the airport,
said goodbye to our rep and driver and
checked in. Again, it was a 10¾ hour
flight where we flew over London and
experienced the sights from the sky.
We touched down at Heathrow and
after waiting for Mr Cousins to be
cleared at passport control, the group
was allowed back into the country.
Whilst we waited to collect our
baggage, we were regaled with the poem Mr Field had written especially for the trip.
We then headed back to Redhill.

A massive thank you must be said to Mr Field, Miss Jones and Mr Cousins and
especially to Mrs Beeston and Miss McGrail for all of their hard work and dedication.
You have truly given us some amazing memories!

Thank you all once again but my one question is: “can we please do it all over again?”

James Jackson

Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

THE ADDAMS FAMILY ARE ON THEIR WAY TO REDHILL

Do you ever feel that ‘you’re happy when your toes are in the mud?’ Or do you just
sometimes ‘need that moment to explode?’ Well if so, then why not join us for a night of
‘darkness, grief and unspeakable sorrow’ (and if not, please come anyway!) for this year’s
musical production of … the Addams Family!

When young Wednesday Addams (Eve Banks), lover of all that is dark and dismal, finds that
she has found true love with a supposedly ‘normal’ boy named Lucas Beineke (Aaron
Grainger), she soon realises that its course is not going to run as smoothly as she hoped. With
her mother, Morticia (Amy Sefton), bearing down on her at all times and expecting her to
worship the dark, she finds that she has nowhere to turn … except to her beloved father,
Gomez (James Jackson); a true eccentric but a doting father and husband! But soon even he
is under examination and with the secrets that are being held between the two families, the
cracks in them start to show! But who will succumb first, will it be Mal and Alice Beineke
(Lucy Parsons and Phebe Dunn) or the Addams? How could one secret have so much effect?
Well come along and see just how much fun it is to watch! Also joining the fun is Uncle Fester
(George Westley-Smith), Pugsley Addams (Harry Fox), Grandma (Saffron Knight) and Lurch the
Butler Alishba Sajid.

To find out, you are just going to have to come and watch. So join us for fun, frights and
phantoms on October 17th, 18th and 19th to see if this troubled love can run its course and for
all to find true happiness!

James Jackson

PETER’S HILL MUSIC DAY

Even though we had nearly reached the end of term, our talented musicians “I loved having
still took time out of their ‘busy schedules’ to go to Peter’s Hill Primary school the opportunity
to run a series of musical workshops. to pass on some

On 14th July, Redhill’s Music department sent a contingent of students from of my musical
many areas of its work to run workshops for the primary school. Throughout knowledge to the
the day, the pupils experienced four taster sessions. There was acting, singing
and dancing, thanks to the principals of our upcoming performance of the pupils and
Addams Family. Drumming with the ‘Beatz’ percussion group, who taught hopefully I have
inspired them to
about improvised rhythms and developing basic ideas. Our junior take up music”.
singing group, Meridian, also performed, then taught some of their
favourite songs whilst the ukulele group gave the pupils an James Jackson
opportunity to try a new instrument, adding vocals to their pieces as
they went along.

During the day, the classes from Peter’s Hill rotated around the Redhill groups
and ended up experiencing everything from performing to improvisation.

A massive thanks must go to the staff and pupils at Peter’s Hill for taking part,
to Ms Savidge, for helping to co-ordinate (and driving the mini bus back) and also to Miss
Comley and Mrs Hastings for their continuing hard work and dedication to their subject.

James Jackson

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Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

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Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

STARTIN HONDA VEHICLE SCHEME COMPETITION

Design and Technology pupils at Redhill School were given the unique
opportunity to work with local car dealer, Startin Honda, in association with
Team Dynamics who run Honda’s British Touring Car Championship Team, to
produce a vehicle scheme for the new tenth generation Honda Civic.

BTCC champion Matt Neal announced the short listed 11 during the summer
holidays with pupils being invited to the Stourbridge dealership to find out
the winning design on Tuesday 19th September.

After much anticipation, Matt Neal
and Dudley Mayor Dave Tyler
revealed the winning design.

The winning design was created by
James Holden incorporating the Black
Country flag that was designed by
Gracie Sheppard, a former pupil at
Redhill School and the winner of the
flag design competition.

Vicky Baggott, Coordinator of Congratulations
Creative Technology at Redhill to James Holden,
School said:
winner of the
“The competition has Startin Honda
provided a unique opportunity vehicle scheme
for pupils to showcase their
creative talents. Our students competition.
have been thrilled by the
prospect of seeing their thoroughly enjoyed the experience of
design featured on the new working on a live brief, something
Honda Civic and have students are expected to do as part of
their GCSE qualification. I am extremely
proud of the work that has been
produced by all the pupils and it’s
wonderful to see James’
winning design being
showcased at Startin
Honda. It has been
fantastic working with
Startin Honda and I
look forward to seeing
James’ design being
driven around the local
area.”

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Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

NEWS FROM THE LEARNING CENTRE

BOOK CLUB Parallel to the London we know, there
Book Club meets every Wednesday after is a city we never see, where all our
school and has spent the last 12 weeks worst nightmares are real. This place is
reading Tom Becker’s Darkside. The called Darkside.”
book club gave this book an overall 4 out Over the summer book club has read
of 5 stars with positive reviews. The Terrible Thing that happened to
George Scull says “Darkside is a fantastic Barnaby Brocket by John Boyne, The
book by Tom Becker. It’s a book full of Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman and
mystery, adventure and suspense. It has Mister Creecher by Chris Priestley. We
edge of the seat action and you’ll be are looking forward to our first meeting
dying to know what happens next. to discuss our thoughts.

HARRY POTTER COMPETITION

Last year saw Redhill’s very own Hogwarts arrive in the Learning Centre, to celebrate 20
years since J K Rowling’s first Potter novel hit the shelves.

Students were able to enjoy the themed decorations in the Learning Centre as well as enter
the competition to try to win lots of Harry Potter prizes. Students were given the
opportunity to design their own wand or spell, complete a Horcrux hunt around school or
simply borrow a book from the Learning Centre during the competition period.

Book FAIR Prizes included Harry Potter colouring
books, journals, badges, POP figure, books,
Redhill will be Gringotts gold coins, Bertie Botts every
r1u7nthn-in2g0tah book fair flavour beans and a PlayStation Lego Harry
April. Potter game.
Winners were: Charlie Westwood, Jack
This is also the Axford, Evie Mai Bird, Scarlett Wilkinson,
week of Year 7 Jennifer Londensborough, Lily Butcher and Emily Dunn.
Parents Evening.

Why not treat your AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
child to a new book
as reward for a
positive report?

Students welcome Redhill’s Learning Centre is now offering after school clubs.
to visit the book
fair all week. If MONDAY Movie Night – Students get to watch a movie that has been voted for by
there is a positive themselves from a selection provided. There is a relaxed atmosphere and
response we can popcorn is also provided.
run more book
fairs.

Hope to see you TUESDAY Study Night – A quiet environment is provided for homework, study or
there.
revision. This is a drop in session. Books and computers are available as well as
support from teaching staff.

WEDNESDAY Book Club – As mentioned above. Refreshments are provided.

Next competition THURSDAY Games Night – Xbox games available to play in a tournament basis. All
will be games are within suitable age restrictions and game play is monitored. Prizes
Halloween. to be won. Board games and card games also available.

Look out for Parent permission slips must be returned before students can attend after school clubs.
future notices.

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Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

TRIPS AND VISITS

ADDAMS FAMILY TRIP

On 9th June, the cast and chorus of our upcoming “Great fun with
musical, The Addams Family, took ‘One Normal amazing
Night’ out to see the amazing version of the show
that is currently touring the country. performance,
what an evening!”
The group started their ‘family outing’ by meeting
at Stourbridge Junction at 4pm, where they caught James Jackson
the train through to Birmingham Moor Street.
From there they all walked over to the Bull Ring
where they had a ‘wonderful feast, all thanks to my
fabulous lady wife!’ No, only joking, the group
descended onto Pizza Hut who had kindly put on a
buffet spread, before we all walked up the road to
the Birmingham Hippodrome!

At the Hippodrome ‘the family’ picked up their very The Addams
talented singing instructor, Mercy Levett and then Family
all gathered outside for a big ‘family photo’ before
going inside to find their seats. Most of the group arrive at Redhill
were up at the top of the grand circle with a few School
dotted around in the lower rows. The performance From
began and, from the start to the end, all of the
group were in amazement as the story they 16th to 19th
thought they knew was brought to life in October 2017.
completely new ways.
Come and watch
At the interval, we all stood there, wide eyed in amazement as they spoke about how they could this
add or change things to their own performance and from that moment the ideas started
forming into plans for rehearsals to come. This also gave us an insight into how to develop their hilarious family
characters further to give the perfect performance of the famous show. Our group retook their and join in the
seats, the actors their stage and the night continued to its amazing standard throughout. The
performance went without even a slip and in the end the light overcame the darkness to give fun.
the perfect ending to a perfect performance.
Tickets available
The group was originally going to catch the 10:15pm train from Moor Street but after the group from late
accidentally got split up in the theatre, they missed it and so had to wait until 10:55pm for the September.
next train. This gave them time, therefore, to talk about their new ideas for lighting, sound and
costume and for the ideas to start to develop until they got back to their ‘sophisticated New
York lifestyles!’

A massive thank you must be said for Miss Comley, Miss Ashman, Miss Levett, Miss Van den
Akker and especially Mrs Hastings for organising the trip and making it go off without any slip
ups. Thank you to them and to all of the people who went on the trip as it truly was such an
amazing night.

But, if like Pugsley Addams, you are thinking ‘I don’t understand your references’, you better
come and join us in October when the whole family gets together and the gates to the famous
mansion open for a night of phantoms, frolics and finger-clicking fun!

We all hope to see you there ‘once in an Addams year!’

Gomez Addams (James Jackson)

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Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

TRIPS AND VISITS

ORIEL COLLEGE

I recently took ten Gifted and Talented pupils to Oriel College,
Oxford, where they spent two days studying the real Magna
Carta. Our pupils had to produce a presentation explaining
what their own modern day Magna Carta would include. They
came up with new rules and changes we should make on some
important issues in society. The presentations were brilliant.

Our Gifted and Talented
pupils stayed in Oxford
dormitories and ate their meals in the great Hall,
enabling them to experience life as an
undergraduate student at Oxford. They had the
opportunity to meet professors and worked with
current Oxford students to produce their own
Magna Carta. The opportunity arose for them to
have the chance to see the real Magna Carta,
which is held at Oriel College.

The admissions tutor
spoke to our
youngsters about
applying to Oxford,
different types of
universities and what
courses they should
consider.

Activities were undertaken on subjects that
were needed for various courses, which
everyone found very useful. As well as all
of this the pupils did a treasure hunt and a
walking tour to explore the sights and
sounds of Oxford.

A wonderful Everyone said they had had a fantastic
opportunity for two day experience and really enjoyed
the ten Gifted their time at Oriel College.
and Talented
pupils who took
part in the trip.

Mrs Moreton

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Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

AN OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME

REDHILL STUDENTS MEET DOUBLE OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST Beth commented:
Dame Kelly Holmes “The programme
has given me the
Two students from Redhill, Bethany
Lester, Year 10 and Katherine confidence to
Baker, Year 11 were fortunate to be actually say yes to
selected to work with athletes from opportunities that
the Kelly Holmes Trust’s team of I would previously
inspirational athlete mentors. AQA
Unlocking Potential aims to raise have been too
young people’s aspirations and afraid to embark
expectations on future life goals, upon, for example
whether from school to Further
Education, Further Education to I recently
Higher Education, or into training delivered a PSHE
and employment. The students session to year 9
were nominated by Mrs Nash and students, this is
Mrs Mather as they believed that something I would
they would benefit from mentoring support to develop life skills and increase their
confidence, self-belief and motivation. never have had
the confidence to
Throughout the year the students have
attended workshops in Manchester and do before I met
have completed a range of activities Anna.”
including; a community project, delivering
assemblies and PSHE sessions as well as Katherine said:
some intensive one to one mentoring “Dame Kelly was
from Anna Turney (an athlete from the
Dame Kelly Holmes trust). This has so lovely and
enabled them to aspire to achieve to the chatted to me for
very best of their ability. some time about

The programme has given a real sense of her own time in
achievement to both girls and they were the army and my
fortunate enough to travel to London on
3rd July to meet Dame Kelly Holmes at the dreams of also
national Unlocking Potential celebration joining the armed
event. Redhill and the girls have been
very fortunate to be able to be a part of forces – I feel
such a well-recognised and successful really inspired
programme; we have every confidence now to reach for
that the girls’ involvement will have a long
reaching positive effect on both their my dreams.”
lives.

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Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

HUMANITARIAN ENRICHMENT DAY

Pupils had a On Monday 26th June, pupils from years 7-8 had the opportunity to take part in a day to learn
fantastic day. about emergency services and natural disasters. Some had the chance to make shelters to
save themselves. Others had a visit from Cara, the rescue dog.

Another exciting activity that many took part in
was learning about water purification with the
Science teachers. Pupils had a go at purifying
unclean water.

There were loads of exciting things happening
throughout the day.

Olivia Walton and Mia King

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Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

HUMANITARIAN ENRICHMENT DAY

This year’s school Enrichment Day was on 26th June. Whilst the Year 10s were visiting local “This has helped
colleges, the rest of the school were part of some very exciting activities. Year 7 and 8 me to decide what
both had the theme of a recent natural disaster and this included things like search and I could do with my
rescue, water purification and even an air ambulance simulator.
future and has
Year 9s did something different and, as that is my year, I am able to tell you more! Our opened another
year was focussed throughout the day on enterprise and employment. The day began with doorway to me.”
registration and then, for A half, the first activity was ‘passport to employment’. This
entailed a talk from a business consultant and then a series of activities in small groups James Jackson
with local businessmen and women to get them thinking about what they would need if
they were going to support a new business. In this case, it was about a new phone case “I really need to
with a solar charging panel and the ploy that the further you walk, the more data you can work on my skill
use.
base!”
After break we were split up into our form groups for our ‘passport to employment’. In
this, we learnt about two business service sector companies: Lloyds Banking Group and
Jaguar Land Rover. This was a two hour lesson, one before lunch and one after. During
these two hours, we learnt about how to become part of these groups and if they would
be the right career path for us. We followed this with some activities about the qualities
you have, and if they would make you more employable in the business sectors they were
specialising in. B half of the year group did the same classes, only the other way around in
the day.

After all of this, many people had a better idea of what options were open to them and
what qualities they would need if they wanted to try and get the very best jobs in the
business service sector. We also learnt what we could get from these sectors and if they
were the best option for us and learnt that if they were not the best options, we could still
join these initiatives after university and further education!

James Jackson

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Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

CLASS OF 2017 PROM

After a very busy and packed year we were finally able to celebrate with our Year
11s at the prom, which was held on 13th July at The Mercure Hotel.
The students looked fantastic; the girls as always in an array of gorgeous dresses
and dapper suits for the boys. As always there were a variety of dramatic
entrances with vintage cars, buses and camper vans, a highlight being the girls
that arrived in the minis like something out of the Italian Job!
Everyone enjoyed their evening dancing the night away and having fun with their
friends.
Staff as usual supported the event and got involved with the photo opportunities
as the leavers book will testify.
We wish all of our Year 11s every success in their new entices and post-16
courses and look forward to hearing how they get on.

Best of luck from Mrs Mather and the Pastoral Team

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Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

CLASS OF 2017 PROM

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Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

“Well done and COMPETITIONS
congratualtions
to all of our UK MATHEMATICS
pupils who took
part in this The UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) organises national Mathematics competitions and other
competition.” mathematical enrichment activities for 11-18 year old UK school pupils. They were
established in 1996 and during the last academic year over 650,000 pupils from 4,500
Mrs Bashford schools took part in the three individual challenges, the UK's biggest national maths
competitions. Each challenge leads into a follow-on Olympiad round.

The Junior Challenge is aimed at pupils in Year 8 or below in England and Wales and Redhill
pupils took part in this. The challenge involves answering 25 multiple choice questions in
one hour and is sat in school under normal exam conditions.

The top 40% of students nationally receive a gold, silver or bronze certificate in the ratio
1:2:3 and each institution receives a Best in School Certificate. Around 1200 of the highest
scorers are invited to participate in the Junior Mathematical Olympiad.

Overall Redhill pupils achieved 6 gold with 3 qualifying for the “Junior Kangaroo”, 15 Silver
and 15 Bronze.

Year 8 = 4 Gold - Connor Palmer (Best in School and Year), Jack Timmins,
Lauren Stewart and Jennifer Wooldridge

= 9 Silver
= 9 Bronze

Year 7 = 2 Gold - George Westley-Smith (Best in Year) and Owen Westwood
= 6 Silver
= 6 Bronze

A truly emotional YEAR 11 LEAVERS’ CONCERT
evening tinged
with sadness and On 29th June, our very special group of talented Year 11 musicians (and an interloping Year
reflection but also 9) had an evening for their friends and family to showcase the might of their musical
of immense talent. During this evening they showed the combined work of over five years of hard
work and dedication to their beloved B block!
“It was a perfect
way to say The group demonstrated their prowess in everything from instrumental composition to
goodbye to the singing and showing off their mastery of music. Some even showed how they have grown
part of school life as a person and how music has helped them to develop themselves as a character.
which absolutely
made my time at The assembled audience were amazed and touched by how music had influenced each
Redhill, it was one of the performers and from there they witnessed individual compositions, solo and
also a brilliant duet singers with songs close to their hearts, GCSE coursework pieces and the very
way to thank the talented elite singing group Sanctus took to the stage in what turned out to be an
school for an extremely emotional night.
amazing five
years of musical A massive thank you must go up to all of the performers, but also to Anna Chippendale
adventures!” from Dudley Performing Arts, Miss Comley and Mrs Hastings for always going that extra
mile and putting so much extra effort in to everything. Without you, none of this amazing
Molly Butcher talent would be displayed or nurtured in such a phenomenal way.

James Jackson

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Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

COMPETITIONS

CREATIVE WRITING Scan the QR Code
for instant access
This summer, Redhill pupils took part in the
creative writing competition, which was run by to our website
TSET (The Stourbridge Educational Trust). Pupils where you will be
from Years 7-11 were encouraged to enter a piece able to read the
of creative writing with the title “Together”.
Hundreds of entries submitted from Redhill. winning
Judges then had the task of looking at all of the entries by Ben
entries submitted by Ridgewood, Pedmore, Redhill
and King Edward VI College, who all took part. and Wesley.
All entries were carefully read though and runners
up and winners were chosen.
Winners of the competition were rewarded with
Amazon vouchers, which were presented at a
special evening held at King Edward VI College.
Winner of the Year 10-11 category was Ben
Bullock (Year 11), whilst the year 7-9 category was
won by Wesley Treasure (Year 7).
Well done to all of our pupils who submitted a piece of creative writing and congratulations
to our worthy winners.

Mrs Moreton

AGILITY CHAMPIONSHIPS Mariann and
her team mates
At the beginning of July, Mariann Bayliss was part of the on the Podium.
European Open Junior Agility Championships with her
dog Frankie. PAGE
It was a roller-coaster! Mariann had a great team
training session on the Thursday, she was so excited to
be involved in Team GB and was buzzing following her
training. Her family were all overwhelmed by the
opening ceremony and Mariann was eager to compete
on the Friday. However there was a setback when
Mariann’s knees “flared-up”. After discussions with
team GB coaching staff and lots of tears it was decided
that she shouldn’t run and see what Saturday brought.
So after acupuncture, painkillers and lots of rest,
Saturday saw Mariann much better and she got a
Fantastic “Clear in Team Agility” meaning a podium
finish and third place.
Frankie (the dog Mariann was competing with) dropped
a pole in Individual Jumping meaning a 5 fault round.
Sunday’s Agility round saw Frankie a little bit distracted on the start and, after refusing
the first jump, went round only dropping a pole but getting eliminated for starting again.
Team GB had 7 podium finishes, which was amazing. Mariann contributing a bronze was
the icing on the cake and definitely unexpected as a first time competitor.
Mariann is looking forward to trying to qualify again in 2018. The first trial day will be
later this year.
Mariann's parents are so proud of her achievements and we wish her all the best for her
future competitions.

Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

“What a brilliant GSUS LIVE BUS
opportunity,
taking learning Throughout the week commencing 22nd May, Years 7
out into the real to 9 RE classes had the opportunity to go inside the
world!” GSUS Live trailer.
Mrs Elwell
The trailer was on site all week and once each group
“I wish I could went inside, they were whisked off into the high-tech
have taken all of room. Each group were then
my classes in introduced to the mentors,
there.” they were shown an introductory video that explained the
Mrs Cooper aims of the experience. Then the lights dimmed. Pupils
had not realised, but the desks they were sitting at
suddenly sprang to life and up came interactive
computers screens at the workstations.

Throughout the hour long lesson, the students
followed three individual stories that focused in on
three key everyday themes. Using the interactive
interface screens, their stories unfolded, showing
the many facets of the young people’s problems
and how they went about resolving them. This
gave the students an insight into other people’s problems and how there
are many different ways to combat them, even when it doesn’t seem like it.

James Jackson

For Your Information

There are two GSUS Live education
units that have been used in over 800
UK secondary schools since 2000 and
visited around 500,000 students.

It is free for the school to have a visit
from GSUS Live, it is sponsored by
Counties and other donor partners,
including a Christian grant.

GSUS Live is housed on a purpose-
built trailer which transforms into a
large interactive learning space,
featuring touch screen tablet
computers. The trailer weights in at
14 tonnes and when deployed
occupies an area approximately the
length of six car parking spaces!

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Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

BLACK COUNTRY FOOD BANK

On Friday 31st March, members of the Social Events and Community Liaison Committee
for Student Parliament, along with Mrs Elwell, visited the Black Country Food Bank to donate
the Easter Eggs collected by the school. In less than one week, the school managed to collect
over 90 eggs, which would be distributed to many areas across the Black Country - including
Walsall and Sandwell - as well as our own area. These Easter Eggs would then be given to
people who can’t afford to buy their own at a time where chocolate eggs are a tradition.

Following the success of this collection, we decided to
continue our work with the food bank. Before the May
half term we collected food for the food bank again,
however this time either canned or packaged food.
This was an even bigger success, filling the boot and
backseat of Mrs Elwell’s car! The food bank were
overwhelmed by the contribution that the school had
made.

From the positive response that we have had so far, we
have decided to make food bank collections a regular occurrence to make sure that we - as a
school and community - help those who are not as fortunate as others.

To check what food is needed, posters should be in each form room to ensure that
everyone knows what needs collecting and by what date.

Mrs Elwell

PEER MENTORS “A marvellous day
filled with all of
This year’s Peer Mentor training took place on 26th and 30th June and in these the training that
two days, the trainers (Mrs Drew and Mrs Bridgewater) managed to get through
and train 80 new willing volunteers. will be needed in
the future for our
The process began just before the half term holiday when a member of the pastoral team
went into each Year 9 form time to advertise the opportunity. There was then a week long Peer Mentor
deadline in which to get a letter of application in and then the pastoral team took them away journey.”
and collated those best suited for the job to take through to the next round. Unfortunately,
some applicants were unsuccessful at that stage, so they were not taken through to training. James Jackson

Due to the extremely high quality of the applications the lucky pupils who made it through the “I love the whole
selection process were all invited to take part in the day’s training. During the training hours, idea, such a nice
they worked on things like teamwork, ‘get-to-know-you’ games and how to communicate with way to bring new
new students effectively. We also learnt how to best deal with certain situations and how to
offer the most suitable advice. pupils into the
school!”
We were put into groups, with each group being assigned a new Year 7 form group to work
with. We worked with the Year 6 pupils on both of the induction days, so that they would Bethan Cornick.
know us when they started in September. This would enable the new Year 7’s to know at least
one face at Redhill and hopefully make the task a less daunting prospect. “I can’t wait to
get started!”
As well as the teams in the form groups, there will be two teams of mentors in the library on Ben Joyce
certain days for the pupils to drop into if they want to talk to a mentor personally.

Overall, the whole process has been great fun and a massive thank you must go to Mrs Drew,
Mrs. Cooper and Mrs. Bridgewater for all of the time that they have put in to keep the scheme
running as fluently as it always has done.

James Jackson

PAGE

Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

‘A WORLD - CLASS EDUCATION’ FOR EVERY CHILD

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PAGE

Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

SUMMER CONCERT “A very enjoyable
and successful
Once again, Redhill music department have come together to deliver a fantastic night of evening!”
musical talent. On 12th July a Summer Concert was held, everybody enjoyed an evening that Judah Loynds
celebrated the hard work of all of the music department throughout the year. Hosted by
Edward Govier and Molly Butcher, the concert gave the opportunity for talented Redhill
students to express their expertise through many well-known songs and instrumental
pieces.

A wide range of instruments were played as pupils and staff, with their relatives and
friends, relaxed and enjoyed the music from some of Redhill’s most accomplished
pupils. Redhill’s year 9 and 10 Gifted and Talented groups, folk group, ukulele group,
Beats, Meridian and Sanctus choirs were included in the line-up for the night, whilst
Friends of Redhill provided refreshments as good as the entertainment.

The night also included a performance from the cast of our upcoming production, The
Addams Family and our newly formed Stour Vale Mat Choir.

However, the Summer Concert could not have happened without Mrs Hastings and
Mrs Comley, their commitment over the weeks leading up to the concert is incredible
and a huge thanks goes out to them for delivering such an amazing show! Another
big thank you is to all of the pupils and staff that got involved in the productions of
the concert, we are all looking forward to another good one next year!

Isabelle Westley-Smith

Dudley Crossroads Care is a long established borough-wide charity providing a professional caring
service to give carers a 'break'. We need one or two interested volunteers for publicity/

fundraising. If you are interested please ring 01384 298513 or email [email protected]

MAT CHOIR

Almost a year ago, when Redhill first launched the idea of being part of a multi-academy “A brilliant
trust, some of our talented music students came up with the bright idea of having a choir in opportunity to be
which members of all of the schools could come together to perform. So that is what they able to sing with
have done and the Stour Vale Multi Academy Trust Choir was formed! others who enjoy

The first rehearsal took place on 12th June, each of the schools brought together the parts the same things
that they had been working on in their own rehearsals. The two songs were: Barbara Ann as me.”
and Send Me On My Way. From then on the groups started to merge into one and they
began to create something of a superior choir. Following this, they had one more rehearsal, James Jackson
this time at Olive Hill Primary School, and then their first concert was at Earls High School’s
summer concert on the 20th June.

Our talented musicians have also performed at our very own summer concert on the 12th
July and at the Olive Hill summer concert on the 14th July.

PAGE

Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

REDHILL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Being a part of Redhill’s Leadership Academy has been a really fun
experience. We have been taught and have developed our coaching and
leading skills, which will help us in the future.
I especially enjoyed working with Greenfield Primary School as we were
able to put what we had learnt into practice and learn how to deal with
different situations and ages.

Maddie Harris 11L

PAGE

Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

REDHILL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Firstly, I applied for the Leadership Academy to have the opportunity to
help improve my social and leadership skills. Furthermore, being part of
the Leadership Team has genuinely improved my confidence massively
and has readily shown me the responsibility and dedication of working as
part of a team.

Furthermore, I have now learnt how to put my social skills to good use
working with children of all ages.

Thank you Mrs Beeston. Helena Williams 11J

Taking part in the Leadership Academy has helped us enhance our leadership
skills and to learn new skills too. It has been fun working with the Greenfield
Primary School students playing and teaching rounds.
Thank you Mrs Beeston for this opportunity.

Isabella Bianco 11H

PAGE

Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

SPORTS DAY

PAGE

Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

SPORT

An absolute thriller! The Year 7
cricket team win with a run out on
the final ball. An incredible effort -
well done boys!

Our gymnastics team finished Please
first out of all the schools in the congratulate
Black Country! They were our wonderful
absolutely amazing. sports pupils on

A huge their
congratulations achievements
to the winning when you see
girls who took
part in the girls them.
They all
touch rugby deserve a
festival. round of
applause for
their efforts.

PAGE

Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

SPORT

An excellent performance
from our Year 8 Hockey
Team in their tournament.

Go on Twitter All Redhill
now, to follow footballers
the PE received
Department
their
Trophies at
the District
Presentation

Evening.

U17 Dudley Schools Year 7
Athletics Championships. Dudley
Some fantastic results. Schools
Athletics.

PAGE

Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

SPORT

Redhill vs Thorns.
Pupils from
Year 7 and

10 were
lucky to

meet
England
Coach
Eddie
Jones.

Year 10
Leaders at the
Primary Schools

Athletics
Championships.
Year 8 pupils leading the tennis
session with primary students.

PAGE

Redhill School ‘Redhill goes from Strength to Strength’

Diary Dates Autumn 2017

Thursday 28th Sept - Monday 2nd October Open Days and Art Exhibition
Tuesday 3rd October Post-16 Evening
Thursday 5th October Open Evening
Tuesday 17th - Thursday 19th October School Production - The Addams Family
23rd - 27th October HALF TERM
Monday 30th October INSET DAY
Thursday 16th November Y11 Presentation Evening - Copthorne Hotel
Friday 1st December Christmas Extravaganza 6 - 8pm
Monday 11th December Christmas Carol Concert at St Mary’s Church
Wednesday 20th December SCHOOL TERM ENDS
Tuesday 2nd January 2018 INSET DAY
Wednesday 3rd January 2018 SCHOOL TERM BEGINS

Future Dates HALF TERM
Michael Bublé Tribute Evening—Friends of Redhill
Monday 19th - 23rd February 2018
Friday 9th March 2018

Further details about events can be found on our web site: www.redhill.dudley.sch.uk

Those who can, teach.

Are you interested in a career in teaching?
Have you thought about re-training to become a teacher?
Or have you finished your degree and wondered what to do with your shiny new

qualification?

Then why not share our passion for teaching and join our teacher training programme. You will
work alongside outstanding practitioners with a reputation for success, and with a 100%
employability rate you can be assured of the best possible start to your teaching career. We’re
looking to recruit for September 2018, so come and talk to us about our courses. Visit our
web-site www.stourbridgetsa.org or contact us at [email protected] or you
can find us on Twitter @sts_alliance

We can’t wait. Can you?

Redhill School, Junction Road, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY8 1JX.
Tel: (01384) 816355 Fax: (01384) 816356

Website: www.redhill.dudley.sch.uk Email: [email protected]
Redhill School is a member of Stour Vale Academy Trust.

Stour Vale Academy Trust is a Limited Company ~ Registered No: 07865663

For Newsletter Items email: [email protected]