Amery Hill School

Newsletter
Summer term 2016

Visit to Kerid, a volcano crater lake

Incredible Iceland Inspires

Year 10 Geographers recently visited Iceland to and were captivated by the natural wonders of this
experience the real world of Geography. Iceland is incredible country. The Blue Lagoon was a favourite for
well known for its raw physical geography and the many students, a unique and awe inspiring experience of
excursions embarked upon did not disappoint one of the world’s natural wonders.”
students or staff.
One student commented “I loved it. The landscape was
Active volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, erupting geysers, spectacular.” Her personal highlight was visiting Gullfoss,
breath-taking glaciers and geothermal features, cloaked a breathtaking waterfall that comprises one of the three
in centuries-old Norse culture, proved an intriguing blend attractions of the Golden Circle. A visit to Kerid, a
which enthralled and enriched the students’ GCSE dramatic volcanic crater lake, Thingvellir and Gullfoss,
studies. Head of Geography, Mr Stephen Parker, spoke rounded off what was described by one student as “a trip
about the full itinerary which included day trips to the Blue of a lifetime”.
Lagoon, the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Station, the Now, who would
Seljalandfoss waterfall and Reynishverfi, famous for its have thought that
black volcanic beaches and basalt columns. “Our from a school
students got to visit some of Iceland’s most famous sights trip!

Students travel
in style as new minibus arrives
Welcome...
Mrs Wylie
As we near the end of the summer term we have much to top students and it was with great admiration that I and
give thanks for and to celebrate. First of all, I would like to other senior members of staff joined with all staff and
thank all staff who contributed to our successful Easter students in selecting those for the top positions of
School and series of Master Classes to help our students responsibility. It was with great pride that we announced
prepare for their GCSE examinations. I know the students our new top team (pictured below) who are already taking
found the extra sessions worthwhile and I have received on their roles excellently.
many positive comments from parents who have
appreciated the support staff have provided during what Head Boy – Giles Hartley
is always a challenging time! I look forward to sharing Head Girl – Lucy Bayliss
news with you in August when we can celebrate their Deputy Head Boy – Francis Searle
results. I would also like to thank parents who have Deputy Head Girl – Bria Ferne
volunteered to help in school this term; their support has Senior Prefect – Lily Wilson
enabled us to continue with our outreach work at Alton Senior Prefect – Jamie Walker
Community Hospital and supported students with library Senior Prefect – Josh Gabriola
studies and sporting initiatives. Senior Prefect – Emily Coates

This year’s service for our leaving Year 11 at Our school continues to go from strength to strength and
St Lawrence Church was an excellent way to celebrate student voice is one aspect we are developing further. In
this time with Orange Year. They were finishing their response to a need to improve our facilities, we would like
exams and looking forward to a wonderful evening at to launch our “Sponsor a Bench” project for next term.
their Prom. They have been a credit to our school and We are looking to increase social spaces and allow
should be very proud of the way they have worked students more opportunities to sit outside with their
through this difficult time. We are all sure their results will friends. If you, or your company, would like to donate any
reflect this. amount towards a seat for our students, please do
contact our Development Officer, Amanda Denton, on
Appointing our new Prefects and Senior Prefects is [email protected] for more
another part of the cycle of school life which brings the information.
greatest of joy. Applications were made by some of our

New Prospectus Head’s Open Mornings

Our new prospectus is now available in hard copy from Following the successful introduction of this informal
the School Office or it can be downloaded from our drop in, I will be continuing these into the Autumn term.
website at www.ameryhill.hants.sch.uk. I would like to invite parents to come and meet me to
discuss anything they wish, the last Thursday of each
month, from 9:00am until noon.
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Year 10 Travel to Iceland

3
Blue Year News
Mrs Elliott, Year 7 Progress Leader
A selection of the Year 7
sacred spaces creations

Creating Sacred Spaces

Year 7 students have been making links between their live audience and streamed directly to our classrooms
recent 'symbolism' module and our first project of the via the internet. The Big First Aid Lesson Live covered a
year 'The Island' which taught us all about how religious whole range of topics, including choking, chest pains,
communities are formed and how they operate. We seizures and insect bites. There were also live demos,
gave them the challenge to create a 'sacred space' incredible real life stories, chances for students to ask
which housed the ‘island’s flame’. Students planned questions, and other interactive elements. Talking on
then built their spaces and presented them to their class BBC Radio Surrey, Mrs Riley, Assistant Headteacher,
explaining the design and its symbolic nature - often said: “We had a situation last year when one of our
making links to a number of religious concepts and students, while on her way to school, came across
sometimes specific religious examples. It was an an elderly person who had collapsed in the street. She
absolute joy to witness their creativity, flair and was able to help through her knowledge of first aid,
philosophical thinking skills. Here are just some of the which just highlights why such training is so important.
designs we have been celebrating. Some are on display The Big First Aid Lesson Live will complement our
in the RS rooms and the Library are also displaying Citizenship Programme, which is an integral part of our
some in the RS section - well done Year 7. students’ education.”

Dr Ranj said “Anyone can learn first aid at any age and
First aid for all that’s why I’m supporting St John Ambulance’s Big First
Year 7 students took part in the St John Aid Lesson Live. I’m excited to be hosting this year, as I
Ambulance’s Big First Aid Lesson Live know the lesson will help enrich the next generation with
session last month. Hosted by TV medic, Dr Ranj, the the confidence and knowledge to save a life.”
interactive hour-long programme was filmed in front of a

Year 7 make an impact

The Year 7 Art Week Project was recently installed and it looks fantastic! Evey Year 7
student had the opportunity to create a shadow box inspired by the artist Joseph Cornell,
which reflects their own identity and interests; the individual boxes are completely unique.
Collectively, the artwork has
i nc r e d i bl e im p ac t a nd h as
transformed the Art/MFL corridor.

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 History Department
Mr Colley, Head of History
was a long thin room that was lit only by very high sky
Berlin Visit lights. We were meant to walk the length of the chasm-
GCSE History students replaced their text books with a like room, but on the floor were hundreds of jagged faces
trip to Berlin over the Easter weekend. Head Girl Sarah cut out from industrial metal. Each step would create a
Williamson described the trip as “so interesting” and loud clanking sound that would echo around, breaking the
clearly valued the chance to see “all aspects of Berlin silence. It was very surreal.”
from the museums on the Holocaust and the Cold War to
commemorative art installations and smaller museums On their last day students visited the Blindwerkstaff
focused on individual survival stories”. museum which is a tribute to Berlin’s Oscar Schindler,
who protected people with disabilities and Jews in Nazi
The students visited many of the key sights in Berlin, Germany. The final stop was Gendarmenmarkt to visit
including the Reichstag, the Sachsenhausen Fassbender and Rausch, probably one of the best
concentration chocolate shops in the world. A fitting end to a school trip
camp and the “We were put in over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend!
Check Point
Charlie Museum uncomfortable, thought-
where students provoking situations”
were able to learn
about the Berlin
Lizzie Bull, talking about the
Wall and various, Jewish Museum
s o m e t i m e s
ingenious, methods people used to escape from East
Berlin. For student Francesco Tesolin, his personal
highlight was to see the Berlin Wall and the Brandenbug
Gate. The sombre mood from the excursion to
Sachsenhausen lifted as the group crossed the Glienicke

Wannsee Villa, where the Wannsee Confererence (the high-

level meeting of Nazi officials) debated “The Final Solution”
in 1942.

Brücke bridge for lunch in Potsdam, made famous in the

recent film Bridge of Spies featuring Tom Hanks.

The Jewish Museum,

which tells the story of
the Jews from their
arrival in the Middle
Ages to the present day,
was also on the
itinerary. “In my opinion,
this was the hardest
hitting museum we
visited,” student Lizzie
Bull commented. “It
wasn’t a stereotypical
museum where we got
to look at items through
glass screens, but it put
us in uncomfortable,
thought-provoking
The Jewish Museum situations. One of them Brandenburg Gate
5
Red Year News
Mr Gibson, Year 8 Progress Leader
Red Year coped extremely well with their Exam Week year. All participants responded positively to the
last half-term. With the school curriculum moving away programme and it will be interesting to see how those
from coursework towards more exam-based assessment students’ report scores and levels look when they are
in the next three years, it is important for the year group published.
to experience exams in a formal setting, and they
conducted themselves with genuine calmness and There has been a focus on languages this term with Red
maturity. Year. Following the French trip in March, Mrs Hlavaty,
Head of MFL, ran an assembly about the benefits of
Congratulations to the 25 Year 8 students who have learning a language in the modern world and her
taken part in the ‘Rising Stars’ programme in the last ten Department also ran the ‘Vocabulary Cup’ for Year 8
weeks. Each senior teacher in the school mentored a students to improve their word power in French and
group of students of all abilities to help them address German. Well done to Nicole Campbell (German) and
obstacles that have affected their academic progress this Robert Hill (French) who won those contests.

Year 8 and 9 linguists visit Opal Coast

A group of 30 students recently visited the Opal Coast region of France, with a packed itinerary for their four day
residential trip. With pot making (in French) at the Ceramics Museum in Desvres, a visit to the creepy cathedral crypt
and castle of Boulogne and a croissant workshop with the eccentric boulanger, the students had a varied and fun
programme of activities which opened their eyes to French culture. During their visit the students also had an
evening of snail tasting and had the chance to visit the national sea life centre at Nausicaä and La Ferme du Petit
Quenneval, where they learned how to make cheese.
“The bakery was
good because we
were able to see
how croissants are
made and we were
able to have a go
ourselves.”
La ferme Art en français!

“I thought the Snail tasting! “I thought the trip was

trip to was very educational because
AMAZING - I we learnt a lot of French
was with all my from François, our
friends and the animateur. He spoke to
activities were us non-stop in French
super fun.” Beautiful Boulogne and was great fun.”

Yellow Year News

Mr Lewis, Year 9 Progress Leader
We are steaming ahead to the end of the academic year amazing mathematical accomplishments during the
and what a busy one it has been for Year 9. Students Hampshire Maths Challenge and some great musical and
have worked hard this term trying to achieve and exceed dramatic achievements also. More on these later in the
their end of Key Stage 3 targets and many have already newsletter.
done so. Everyone has thought hard and carefully chosen
their options for GCSE, a daunting process but one which Last term we held fundraising activities for Sport Relief
I feel the students have handled in a mature way, with a particular mention to Holly Lines and Lauren Swain
especially in this changing educational climate. who between them swam (the equivalent of) to France
and back. Later on in May we also held a ‘Yellow Day’ in
I am always impressed with the students’ academic which the year group held a cake sale and sold badges to
achievements but also how they contribute to the wider raise money for St Michael’s Hospice, a worthwhile and
life of the school. We have had some fantastic sporting local charity.
success with students participating and winning in the
Senior District Athletics Competition—see news item on I look forward to the students starting their GCSE courses
page 17 for the full round-up. We have had some in Year 10 with many new and exciting challenges ahead.

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Green Year News
Miss Keen, Year 10 Progress Leader
This final half term of Year 10 sees Green Year 'stepping Congratulations to Rebecca Male and Alf Hamer for
up' to their place as senior students in our school in being nominated for the Southampton Schools Physicist
preparation for the rigour and challenge of Year 11. The of the Year Awards 2016. We are looking forward to
prefect process has been a huge focus for our year group the award ceremony at the University of Southampton
over the past few months with 63 students assuming later this month.
roles of prefects. We marked this with a special
assembly where the senior prefect team was announced. As we move forward towards the end of this academic
The whole prefect body has made a strong start and is year, Green Year will be continuing to think about careers
leading by example. and 'next steps'. The final few days of this term will take
the form of 'Infinity Week' where Year 10 will take part in
Careers interviews have been taking place this term and workshops covering areas such as CV writing, personal
many of the students are being encouraged to think finance management and how the government works.
carefully about their next steps in tutor time ahead of The students will undergo mock interviews and compete

Our Prefect Team for 2016-17

applications in the Autumn term. In September we hope against one another in a 'Dragons Den' competition to
to run trips to BCoT and Sparsholt College and this term strengthen their team work and innovation skills. We are
we are running a trip to Winchester University for forty very pleased to announce that there will be a 'driving
students. experience' and an Army run 'Obstacle Day'. Infinity
week will be hosted by Alton College.
The area that continues to be a challenge for Green Year
is attendance. The year group are constantly reminded
about the paramount importance of attendance in KS4 in
order to achieve well at GCSE. Attendance is crucial for
progress to be made. Green Year data analysis shows
that students who are attending 95% of the time or more
are averaging a B grade at GCSE whilst students with
attendance scores of 85% and below, average a D grade.
Well done to all those students who are at 95% and
above! Please be reminded that the legal guidance for
school attendance is set at 95% as a minimum. At Amery
Hill we work very hard to ensure every student has the
opportunity to realise their potential but that relies on
students attending to access their education. I thank all
of you at home for the work you do to ensure your
children are in school and I ask that you continue to
support this vital area of improvement for Year 10.

Green Year did a great job of raising some extra

money on the recent multiple charity mufti day by
holding a cake sale to support CHIKS (Children's
Homes in Kerala State). Well done to all involved.
7
Orange Year News
Mrs Miller, Year 11 Progress Leader
motorbikes. It was wonderful that so many members of
A Fond Farewell to Year 11 the community came out to wish them well and make
As the newsletter goes to print we will already have said them feel special for the evening. Orange Year Tutors
farewell to Orange Year. Our Leavers’ Celebration (both past and present) and students enjoyed a reception
Service was held in St Lawrence Church to say a formal in the wonderful surroundings and garden at Bury Court
farewell to the year group. It included contributions from before sitting down to a delicious dinner followed by the
Mr Gerlach, Mrs Howe and Mrs Miller; musical items from presentation of awards and speeches. The evening was
Year 11 students and accomplished readings given by rounded off by plenty of photo opportunities and some
Andy Morrish (Head Boy) and Sarah Williamson (Head dancing. A fantastic night was had by all!
Girl). Afterwards there was the traditional ‘shirt signing’ in
the school hall and it was lovely that so many parents A reminder for your calendar that Thursday 25th August is
were able to join us at this celebratory event. I’d like to GCSE results day! Results can be collected from school
thank the Orange Year Prefects for doing such a great between 10.30 and 11.30am.
job this year and for the fine leadership of the Senior
Prefect team. I will always look back on this Orange Year with great
pride and affection as the last year group I have had the
Students celebrated the end of their secondary school privilege of guiding from anxious Year 7s to young adults.
education with a sophisticated dinner and dance at The Five years is a long time but it has definitely been worth
Barn at Bury Court, Bentley. Everything was perfectly in it.
place from the suits and the bow ties, the beautifully
elegant dresses to the handbags, the heels and the I’d like to wish them all good luck in their exams and best
make-up! The evening opened with an impressive array wishes for the future.
of transport for the traditional arrival at school including a
vintage bus, sports cars, a campervan and roaring

Student Voice
their views on topics ranging from Brexit to Pokemon’s
BBC School Report 20th Anniversary. The finished articles are all available on
The school hosted its third annual the school’s VLE and we have included two of them later
BBC School report event earlier this in this newsletter. (Look out for the BBC School Report
year with around 30 Year 9 and 10 logo.)
students experiencing what it is like to
be a journalist for the day. As a spin off to the day, many of the students have
continued to build their journalism skills, with the first
The students worked in small groups and had the chance edition of ‘The Amery Quill’, the student newspaper,
to research some really meaty topics as well an learn the coming off the press at the start of the term. We look
techniques of constructing and conducting a good forward to the next edition of their thought-provoking
interview. Students and staff had a chance to express newspaper.

8
Year 11 Prom

9
 Maths Department News
Mr Eacott, Head of Maths
students learned various skills and tools in an attempt to
UK Mathematics Trust Success locate it. The challenge is based on the real life
This year students in all years took part in the Junior and investigation into this missing masterpiece which took
Intermediate Maths Challenges which were run by the UK place in Italy.
Mathematics Trust (UKMT). The Challenges involved
answering problem-solving questions which are designed
to stimulate interest in Mathematics. This is a national Students compete in Regional
competition and Gold awards are given to the top 7% of
entries nationally. We are very proud of the following UKMT Final
students who achieved just that: Lewis Jones-Ayres In March, Miss Joyner took a team of students to
(Yr 11), Lucy Bayliss (Yr 10), Ben Williams (Yr 9), Josh St Swithun’s School to take part in the Regional Final of
Hedley, Ethan Aspinwall, Catherine Groom, Oliver Brice, the UKMT Team Challenge. Our team of Year 8 and
Joanna Hughes, Ariana Hawkins, Sam Bridger and Ioan
Whomsley (Yr 8). Congratulations to all who took part
and received a Bronze, Silver or Gold award; particularly
Josh, Ben, Lucy and Lewis who went through to the next
‘Kangaroo’ round - it is a fantastic achievement!

Edge Hill Challenge

In March, the Mathematics Department entered several
groups of students into the Edge Hill Challenge,
organized by Leeds University. Students worked
together using ICT to solve the ‘Around the Sheep Fold’
problem. Entries from the best four groups were
submitted and two of those groups have successfully
progressed to the next round. Students are working on
the next challenge as I write - good luck! UKMT Regional Finals

STEM Club Year 9 students competed with teams from other schools
In April, students were invited to attend the newly formed in our region; the activities tested mathematical dexterity,
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) teamwork and communication skills. Our team took part
Club. The idea is for students to experience how skills in four rounds, including a relay round against the clock
from these subject areas are used in the real world, in an which was the most popular. ‘There was a lot of tension
enjoyable and stimulating manner. There will be and these questions were hard. I really enjoyed
competitions along the way to enter too. The first activity/ myself’ (Ioan). Well done to Eleanor Austin and Ben
challenge involved using forensic analysis on Leonardo Williams in Year 9 and Ethan Aspinwall and Ioan
da Vinci’s famous painting The Battle of Anghiari. The Wormsley in Year 8 who took part.
painting has been missing for over five centuries and

DT STEM Visit to the Winchester Science Centre

Mrs Murphy, Head of DT
On National Women in Engineering Day, 15 Year 8 girls
0

visited The Winchester Science Centre to experience the

exhibits, watch a film in the planetarium and complete a
STEM design and make task. The challenge was to
design, make and test a model system that could
transport tomatoes, without damaging them, down a
theoretical mountainside! Our students had a great day
and tackled the challenge with great enthusiasm and
determination. One student commented “From our
engineering challenge I learnt that things could go really
well or really wrong!” and another ‘loved the fact that we
had the freedom to look at all the exhibits. The
planetarium was breathtaking.’

Year 8 students at the Winchester Science Centre

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 STEM students become rocket scientists
Mr Platt, Biology Specialist Teacher
they travelled from Baikonour, Kazakhstan on the Soyuz
Rocket Science Experiment 445 rocket to the ISS before being returned to Earth in
Last year Major Tim Peake launched a school’s science Spring 2016.
project which has been run by The Royal Horticultural
Society and The UK Space Agency. Rocket Science is Students have now collated their observations and results
one of a number of inspiring projects for schools initiated and sent them off to the European Space Agency to be
by the UK Space Agency to added to a national database. They have
celebrate the Pricipia Mission of statistically analysed their results and concluded that
British European Space Agency there are no significant differences between the two
astronaut Tim Peake to the packets of seeds. We will now await Tim Peake to
International Space Station announce which packet of seeds have been to
(ISS). The projects harness the space!
expertise of partner
organisations in a wide range of
fields and allow our students to
contribute to a global scientific
study to understand how plants
grow in space.

Students from Years 9 to 11

volunteered to help run the
project in school and have been
involved in comparing the
germination and growth of
rocket seeds, some of which
have been stored in microgravity for 6 months on the ISS.
The seeds started their journey on 2nd Sept 2015 when

DT Students visit BAE Systems

Mr Daffon, DT Teacher
Year 10 Electronic Products students have recently had needed to monitor group spend. The teamwork displayed
the chance to participate in the BAE Systems STEM by our two groups was fantastic; they all worked really
Challenge Day at Park Centre in Farnborough. Tom well together and supported each other. Our students
Worboys from BAE’s Submarine Solutions introduced the thoroughly enjoyed the day and it was a pleasure to
students to the task and our two teams worked on accompany them on the trip. Their behaviour was
designing an aid delivery vehicle that could deliver impeccable and they were excellent ambassadors for the
supplies to civilians in conflict zones or in the event of a school.
natural disaster.

Students were expected to design and create a working

prototype vehicle that could be controlled via a remote
control unit, using the basic materials provided and with
the option to ‘purchase’ more if required. Students also

“The event gave me the opportunity to put

into practice what I have learned in class”
Nathan Longman

“I wish we could do more of these things, it was good fun!”

Toby Hurd
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Primary Liaison
Mr Powell, Deputy Headteacher
The summer term is always a busy time when we look
forward to welcoming our local primary schools in for a
taste of life at Amery Hill and this year has been no
exception!

Rounders Competition
Amery Hill put on a fantastic primary liaison competition
as pupils from Years 5 and 6 from nine local primary and
junior schools took part in a rounders tournament.
Teams representing Chawton, Selborne, Four Marks, St.
Lawrence, Binsted, Bentworth, Anstey, the Butts and
Medstead competed against each other in a quest for
local bragging rights!
Teams were organised into two separate mini leagues
with a total of sixteen fiercely contested and highly
charged matches. Anstey Juniors and St. Lawrence
advanced to the final in front of a growing audience filled
with family members cheering their respective teams on.
In a tight and thrilling contest, St. Lawrence batted first
and set a target of 3½ rounders for Anstey to chase. They
did so, chipping away at the deficit before snatching the
Year 9 students assume role of
lead in the dying moments to secure victory and win the teacher for Anstey pupils
tournament. The battle for third place ended in a tie as
the Butts and Binsted couldn't be separated with 2½ As part of Anstey Junior School’s Outdoor Education
rounders each. Week, 21 Year 9 German students went to Anstey Junior
School, fully prepared to teach the whole of Year 5 some
German. The students had organised themselves into
Year 5 taster days seven smaller groups and had prepared lesson plans to
cover a range of topics: numbers, the alphabet, colours,
We welcomed pupils from many local primary/junior
food, animals and jobs. During the afternoon all primary
schools this term for a fun-filled programme of activities; it
pupils rotated around these topics so that by the end of
sounds as if they had a great time at Amery.
the afternoon every student had experienced every topic.

The teachers from Anstey Junior commented on how

impressed they were with the Amery students: how well
they had prepared for the task and how motivated and
engaged their pupils were.

Our students also really enjoyed this activity, the planning

and preparation of the event and I think we have some
excellent budding teachers in the making. They were
encouraged to reflect on the whole project and it gave
them a better insight into teaching, with one of our
students commenting, “I now feel sorry for my Maths
teacher!” Well done to all the students involved.

Science with Mr Platt

St Mary’s The Science Department had a visit from Wooteys Junior
School earlier this term, where two Year 4 classes
Bentworth
investigated light to understand how shadow puppets
pupils baking worked. The pupils investigated how shadows changed
and in the by measuring shadows created by Lego figures as they
Media Suite were placed at different distances from a source of light.
They then used a cunning series of clues and the
reflection of light from mirrors to find buried treasure on a
treasure map. All the pupils managed to find the buried
treasure and some of the pupils became teaching
assistants throughout the lesson.

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Art with Mrs Miller
We have had the opportunity to work with several schools
on a number of art projects which have been fantastic
fun!

At Wooteys, the project had an Egyptian theme with

pupils making clay animals which were then mummified
using bandages. They learnt the process of casting their
mummified animal in order to create a sarcophagus
which they then decorated. They thoroughly enjoyed this
project and learnt some great new skills.

St. Lawrence Year 4 pupils worked on a Pop Art themed

project. The pupils learnt about the main Pop artists and
then created a 3D letter of their first initial. The class then
created work in the style of each Pop artist which we then
placed on their 3D letter. Through this the pupils not only
learnt about Pop Art, but also learnt painting and 3D
construction skills. Their work looks fabulous.

Year 6 pupils from Anstey Juniors worked on a graffiti

themed design project. Using Photoshop to manipulate
their graffiti drawings the pupils manipulated their images
which were transferred onto t-shirts!

Wooteys pupils worked on

Egyptian Art

Year 4 St Lawrence
pupils working on
their Pop Art

Selborne
pupils code breaking! Anstey Juniors with their stunning graffiti-themed t-shirts
13
Welcoming our new starters in September
Mr Board, Progress Leader for incoming Year 7
know and bond with other pupils in their year group, as
Transition activities begin well as getting to know their new teachers.
Over the last month, both Mrs Lee and I have visited a
number of primary schools. This was a hugely exciting Alongside the visits to primary schools Mrs Digby
time for me as it allowed me to meet and get to know the (SENCo) has run a series of transition sessions at Amery
pupils who will be joining Amery Hill School in Hill which involve pupils becoming familiar with staff,
September. It was also an opportunity to answer any school procedures and familiarisation of the school site.
questions that pupils had prior to joining Amery Hill. We hope that all the new pupils joining us in September
will have a smooth transition from primary to secondary
All the pupils were given information about general life at school and that all pupils make the most of the many
Amery Hill as well as being informed about the exciting fantastic opportunities available to them over the next five
residential trip to PGL Liddington, that is being run in years at Amery Hill School.
September. We are hoping that a large number of pupils
will take this amazing opportunity where they can get to

RS Department
Miss Keen, Head of RS
It is with great pride that we announce that five of our and also interviewing Quaker attendees and members to
students have become members of the RE Council for gather their research. We are hugely proud of them and
England and Wales. They had to apply for the position their dedication to the role.
and now undertake projects from the council to raise
awareness of RE in schools and local communities. Our ‘Thunks Club’ continues to challenge and inspire young
RS ambassadors were invited to present their latest thinkers every Tuesday lunchtime. We ask difficult
project at the RE Council Conference in London on questions and respond to them from a variety of
6th June. The keynote speaker was Lord Winston. perspectives. We also ask silly questions and enjoy the
laughs at some of the answers! Come along to find out
They spoke in response to the question: 'How does more – we would be happy to welcome you.
being a Quaker equip a young person for life in modern
Britain?' Looking ahead to next year, we are excited to have
launched our trip to Poland next February and are very
As part of this assignment they visited the Alton Quaker happy to be taking a group of students that have opted
Meeting House, spending time in a Meeting for Worship for the RS GCSE and students from the current Year 10.

The truth about your kids’ interests

By Daisy, Meg and Scott
in turn makes students associate positive feelings to that
Survey shows subject.
interesting results We gathered opinions from students and teachers at
Year 9 students took part in a survey to Amery Hill School.
determine what really is their favourite
subject. The results show that students aged 13-14 Acting Head of Art, Ms Miller, was very happy to answer
prefer practical subjects with PE their favoured subject, some of our questions and feels strongly about her
closely followed by Drama and Art. So why is this? subject. She said: “It’s hands on, it’s doing and it’s fun
and slightly dangerous, so that makes it exciting.” We
We think this is because many school students enjoy also talked to one of her students, Charlotte who told us
physical activity as it gives them an opportunity to have a that art is a creative outlet and helps her express herself.
break from academic subjects and do something other In contrast, other students have said that their
than sitting at a writing desk, for potentially five hours a preferences lie with other, more academic, subjects.
day. Having an interlude is an important part of their
learning as it rests their brains; freedom in their learning Whilst the government are focused on E-Bacc
is an important factor and we think it should be used qualifications, we can always hope that someone in a
more in the academic subjects as this will boost the position to change this will take notice of our research.
children’s self esteem. When taking part in physical
activity, your body releases chemicals called endorphins.
Endorphins trigger a positive feeling in your body, which

14
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Mr Cross, DofE Co-ordinator
Aspinwall family giving a magnificent four guitar
Presentation Evening performance and there was also a short video
The school was the proud host of the East Hampshire presentation by the Treble Makers expedition team. Andy
Award Committee Presentation Evening recently when Morrish and Sarah Williamson read the citations. Our
Alton’s Town Mayor, Councillor Pam Jones, presented congratulations to them all.
certificates to local
youngsters, including a
number of current and DofE launched for Year 9
former Amery Hill It is difficult to believe that the DofE Award has been
students who had around for 60 years, which means that the first young
com pleted Bronze, people to achieve their Gold will now be in their late 70s.
Silver and Gold awards. Our involvement doesn’t go back quite that far but we
currently have three groups involved at different stages of
During the evening their Bronze award.
there was the
opportunity for some aspects of DofE to be showcased by Year 11 participants are finalising their on-line records
Amery Hill DofE participants with four members of the and will soon be qualifying for their Bronze awards. Year
Participant Award Level 10 are nearing the end of their expedition section and
having had a couple of practice events in May, all were
Rebekah Aspinwall Bronze out over two weekends in June on their final expeditions.

Hannah Gay Bronze This term has also seen the launch of the Bronze Award
for students in Year 9. They will be working on their
Francesca Lawrence Bronze
volunteering, physical activity and skill sections over the
Madeline Pither Bronze coming two terms with expedition training commencing in
the New Year.
Rachel Read Bronze

Rosella White Silver

Erin Williams Silver

Christopher Hughes Gold

15
PE Department News
Mrs Haynes, Head of PE
Senior District Athletics
We were pleased to be co-hosting this year’s Senior
District Athletics with colleagues from Lord Wandsworth
College and Farnborough Hill School. The event was
held at Palmer Park, Reading with 17 schools
participating from across Hampshire and over 500
athletes competing throughout the day.

We took over 30 students to this year’s meet, with

students competing in all athletics disciplines: track,
throwing and jumping events. As one of the organising
schools we played a big part in the running and
organisation of the day with Monty Moran, Jack Gunning,
Lewis Diment and Harry Raggett forming a ‘results Competitor Discipline Place
squad’ who did a fantastic job of inputting and collating
the results. As a school we had some fantastic individual Luca Morris 100m 1st
and team performances. Jamie Walker put in an Mathew Hobbs, Alex Knight, U15 Boys Relay 1st
incredible performance winning the High Jump event. Luca Morris, Chris Totman
Jamie is new to this discipline and demonstrated a real
‘give it a go’ attitude. Lucy Bayliss narrowly missed out Alex Knight 200m 1st
on retaining her shot put trophy from last year’s event Chris Totman 200m 3rd
but put in a massive throw to secure 2nd place. The
Under 15 Boys Relay Team secured 1st place with the Patrick Buckland Discus 1st
last leg run by Alex Knight who came from behind to
Lucy Bayliss Shot Put 2nd
narrowly beat the opposition. Well done to everyone.
Jamie Walker High Jump 1st
Good luck to our Junior Athletics Squad competing at the
Mathew Hobbs High Jump 2nd
Aldershot Military Stadium; more news on this in our next
newsletter.

Art Department News

Ms Miller, Acting Head of Art
ADFAS funding benefits students Acting Head of Art, Ms Miller, explained that she was
A discussion following a staff training session last autumn keen to incorporate printing as an option for those
has blossomed into the renewal of a relationship between undertaking GCSE art, but without a printing press there
Amery Hill School and the Alton Decorative and Fine Arts seemed little hope of this being achieved. That’s when
Society (ADFAS) which was first established with ADFAS got involved again and in addition to their
financial support of an art department initiative some committee agreeing to donate £500 towards the
three years ago. anticipated cost of £1100, they secured a further £350
from the Hampshire branch of their national
organisation and an additional £250 from the London
HQ.

At a recent presentation to the Art Department,

ADFAS Chairman, Niven Baird, handed over a
cheque for £1100 which has enabled the printing
press and associated materials to be ordered ready
for the printing of students work to take place from
September.

For further information about ADFAS including their

well-received lecture programme please take a look
at their website: http://www.alton-
dfas.hampshire.org.uk/

Mrs Miller and Mrs Wylie being handed the cheque by

ADFAS Chairman, Niven Baird

16
Raging War on Mental Health
By Willow
the child’s learning? She reported
A look on mental health and the saying it’s hard for a student to learn
when they are affected by mental illness. Her own
support given in schools opinion on mental health and support in schools was that
What do you know about mental health? Not a lot? there were not enough services to go around because of
Mental health is such a big topic yet no one seems to limited funds. I asked about whether more support should
know a lot about it. Even the people who suffer. It’s not be given to junior schools and younger children and Mrs
just as simple as depression and anxiety; more factors Underwood claimed that it should spread as far as junior
contribute to the illness. Yet, we live in an age where schools as it’s not only older people who are affected but
there’s support right around the corner, but it’s to the younger ones who don't know what is happening.
question if there’s enough.
If support could be offered at a young age, it could help
Statistically speaking, in the last twenty five years stop the progression of such depression or other mental
depression and anxiety has increased by 70%. It’s a health issue.
thought to ask: why? Maybe it’s due to the lack of
knowledge or maybe it’s the fact that our generation are Nearly 300,000 young Whilst that has been
finding the government’s ‘improvements’ such as the new said, there are so
GCSEs and other school work hard to cope with. people in the Britain many people who
have an anxiety disorder. want to help. There
It’s an increasing problem in schools, with more people Young Mind Statistic are a lot of charities
finding it hard to either speak out publicly or finding and other support
someone they trust enough to talk to. Talking to services which are
Mrs Underwood (the school’s Student Support Manager), open to children and teenagers, but they don't always
she mentions how there should be more awareness on know about them. One of the most popular and well
the subject of mental health and the fact that students known are ‘Childline’. They claim that no problem is too
and schools across the country don’t always get the help big or too small. ‘Young Minds’ is another website which
they need. focuses of giving help not only to the teenagers but also
to parents struggling to cooperate or understand. They
I asked Mrs Underwood what mental health illness was give advice and ways to help.
the most common in schools. She reported how
depression seemed the most common one for various In general, the whole problem with teenage mental health
reasons. I asked whether friends and the surrounding issues is that not enough people are brave enough to
support network (friends and family) are affected. She speak out and demand more help for those who
answered by agreeing and explaining that it’s hard for desperately need it. To make a change to these statistics,
them to cope and sometimes they need support. there needs to be more than just money given. There
needs to be people willing to speak about it and be ready
This also leads to the next question; how does it affect to support those who need it.
GCSE Art Exhibition

17
 Music Department News
Ms Worwood, Head of Music
Students perform with Alton Tea Party for the Queen
Concert Orchestra We were delighted to be invited by Alton Town Council to
rd
On 23 April students were fortunate to have the perform at Alton's Tea Party held to celebrate the
opportunity to perform under the leadership of Graham Queen's 90th birthday. Opened by the recently appointed
Wili, Principal Conductor of the English Philharmonia Town Mayor, Councillor Matthew
Orchestra. Joined by Alton Concert Orchestra and Bayliss, the event was held in the
students from Eggar’s, parents and friends were Public Gardens with the Amery Hill
entertained with a diverse programme of pieces including Wind Band showcasing their talent
Bizet’s Habanera and Toreador, Mambo from West Side with a fun programme of well-known
Story, Shostakovich’s 10th Symphony and Grieg’s In the family favourites, including a medley of
Hall of the Mountain King. Disney classics and the Star Wars
theme tune. The audience was
treated to an afternoon of live music
and entertainment through the decades, with traditional
fete stalls from local community groups and charities.

Recital Evening and Exam Results

The ABRSM Recital evening will be held on 4thJuly when
exam students will have an opportunity to perform in front
of family and friends. Approximately forty Amery Hill
students are taking exams this term. As always we wish
them the very best of luck and look forward to receiving the
results in the summer.

Results from last term’s exams are below—congratulations

to all of our students.

Candidate Instrument Grade Result

Aleezah Aspinwall Piano 2 Merit

Ethan Aspinwall Piano 4 Distinction

Eleanor Austin Piano 6 Pass
Eleanor Austin Singing 6 Merit
Lucy Bayliss Trumpet 5 Pass
Helena Bonwitt Piano 8 Merit
Verdi Requiem Charlotte Bray Clarinet 3 Pass
Students and their parents had a Chloe Doel Double Bass 1 Pass
fantastic trip up to the South Bank
Centre to a performance of Verdi's awe-inspiring choral Annia Grey Singing 4 Merit
masterpiece, performed by star soloists with the Catherine Groom Piano 1 Distinction
Philharmonia Orchestra and Goldsmiths Choral Union. It
was a great evening and enjoyed by all. A huge thank James Handley Cello 5 Merit
you to the Alton Concert Orchestra, Graham Wili and Tim Handley Piano 6 Merit
Hampshire Music Service.
Emma Hughes Clarinet 6 Merit
Rachel Hughes Clarinet 3 Pass
Tour to Holland Isobelle Miles Violin 4 Pass
We are looking forward to our tour in July when we will be Holly Pilkington Clarinet 3 Pass
taking 40 musicians to Holland. The group will perform
their programme on Open Evening and also in a concert Martha Rye Lees Clarinet 3 Distinction
on 7th July. Our five day visit will include three concerts, a Emily West Piano 2 Pass
visit to Amsterdam and many other activities including a
trip to the beach, mini golf and of course visiting the Zac West Piano 2 Pass
windmills! Ben Williams Theory 5 Pass
18
 MFL Department News
Mrs Hlavaty, Head of MFL
homemade jam. I was amazed to see how many students
A taste of France for Year 7 were willing (and enjoyed) the snails, with quite a few of
What a full day and an exceptionally early start! We them having seconds and thirds! Many students
certainly had a variety of experiences on our day trip to volunteered to hold a snail and I think by the end of this
France, including visits to a traditional sweet making shop very enjoyable visit quite a few of the students were
in Berck, a snail farm and a town trail in Boulogne, where wanting a snail for a pet (sorry parents!). Students also
we walked around the old part of the town and climbed had the chance to order an ice-cream, in French. It was
the city walls. a pleasure to see our
students enjoying
Our excursion to Berck proved to be a real treat, with France, speaking the
students learning about the traditional way of making language and
sweets and how sugar panes are used on film sets and in experiencing the
the theatre. They even had the chance to make their own culture.
lolly—needless to say that this was a real hit with the
students!

Our final stop of the day was to the snail farm, where we
were given a talk about the life cycle of snails and how
they are kept. We also tasted snail pate, snails and

Drama Department News

Mr Lewis, Head of Drama
Mr Lewis said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to share the
Public performance for the Bard love of Shakespeare. To watch the students perform in
Following on from the successful performances at The the Public Gardens was inspiring. They did everyone
Haymarket Theatre in Basingstoke, Shakespeare lovers proud. Shakespeare himself would have been very
had the chance to see Amery Hill School students in impressed I'm sure!”
action again when they performed in Alton’s Public
Gardens in April as part of the open air theatre event The Town Mayor at the time of the event, Councillor Pam
celebrating 400 years of the of the Bard’s creative legacy. Jones also attended the event and said “What a truly
Organised by Alton Town Council, the event featured uplifting occasion; I thoroughly enjoyed the innovative
original modern adaptations of Shakespeare’s most and varied approaches to Shakespeare. Well done to all
famous works by students from Amery Hill School, Alton the young thespians and their teachers.”
College, Bordon Junior and Eggar’s School.

The afternoon began with

an enthusiastic
performance of scenes
from The Merchant of
Venice by our students.

19
 Amery Hill Development Update

Building the future together

A massive thank you from all of us at Amery Hill for your
support of various development initiatives over the
course of the past academic year. Our Annual
Development Report highlights our achievements and
how your support has made a huge difference for our
students and school community. Please get in touch if
you are interested in receiving a copy, at
[email protected]. Thank you!

The Freeman Library News

This term sees the biggest (and possibly keenest) group with a group of targeted Year 8s. The individual attention
of Year 8 readers taking part in the Hampshire Book we can offer seems to be paying off and the students are
Award. We meet every other week and are enjoying enjoying reading more and are gaining in confidence.
really lively discussion about the six books we have to
read – opinions are sharply divided as to which book
should win. We have to wait until the end of June to The Muggles Book Group
make our final decision and to see what students in other The group continues to thrive, thanks to the enthusiastic
schools think! Our Reading Group continues on alternate leadership of Rachel Hughes in Year 8. We were also
Wednesday lunchtimes with a group of about twenty lucky enough to be given two large boxes of Manga
listening to a story while they eat their lunch. We are books by the
near the end of our current book, The Terrible Thing that parent of an ex-
Happened to Barnaby Brocket by John Boyne and I am student. These
interested to see what suggestions are made for the next are an amazingly
one. p o p u l a r
phenomenon,
We have been running a very successful Breakfast Club loved by girls (in
which involved a number of specially selected Year 7s particular) of a
pairing up with a Year 9 student and reading with them, wide range of
fuelled by hot chocolate and toast of course. The Year 9s abilities.
have been a particularly conscientious and mature group
who have really taken their role seriously.

Thanks to a kind parent who comes in to help each week,

we have been able to offer one to one reading sessions

20
Extra-curricular Activities - Autumn
All activities are from 3:00pm to 4:00pm unless specified.
Homework Club takes place daily from 3:00pm to 4:00pm in SH1 and ICT2.
Teaching Assistants are on hand to help.

Monday
Student Hub 8:15a.m - Spelling Group -Yr 7 in SH1
Music: Lunchtime - Double Trouble
Brass Ensemble in MU2 all brass players welcome
GCSE Surgery in MU2
PE: Football - Girls Yrs 9, 10, 11
Football - Boys All years
Basketball - Yrs 7, 8
Netball - Yrs 7, 8
MFL: French & German Club, KS4 support group
Media: Amery Hill News Reporters Club
Library: Muggles Book Club (by invitation)
DofE: Year 11 Award Group Meeting - SCI 7

Tuesday
Student Hub 8:15a.m - Spelling Group - Yrs 9, 10 & 11 in SH1
Music: Lunchtime - Choir - in MU2, all welcome
Percussion Ensemble/Steel Pans in MU2 & MU3
PE: Netball - Yrs 9, 10, 11
Rugby - Boys All years
Football - Girls Yrs 7, 8
Badminton - Yrs 7, 8
Drama: Drama Club
RS: “Thunks” Philosophy Club - Yrs 7 & 8 (RS2); Yrs 9, 10 & 11 (RS1)
Maths: Advanced Board Games MA1
Year 10 Maths Drop-in
DofE: Year 11 Award Group Meeting - SCI 7

Wednesday
Student Hub From 8:15a.m - Handwriting Club - All Yrs - SH2
Music: Guitar Ensemble - 8am
Lunchtime - Liquorice Sticks Clarinet Choir
Orchestra Grade 4 upwards in MU2
4-5pm - Music Theory Group in MU2
PE: Badminton - Yrs 9, 10, 11
GCSE Revision
Library: Reading Group - Open to all (lunchtime)
Animé/Manga Club - lunchtime SH1 (by invitation)
MFL: Spanish Club

Thursday
Student Hub 8:15a.m - Spelling Group - Yr 8
Drop in session - Student Hub
Afterschool drop in support session - open to all
Library: Animé/Manga Club - 8.30-9.05 SH1 (by invitation)
Music: Jazz / Wind Band Grade 4 upwards in MU2
3.15-4.30pm String Ensemble in MU1 (violin, viola, cello and double bass)
All welcome, Grade 1 & above (includes primary schools from 4pm)
PE: Basketball - Yrs 9, 10, 11
Hockey - Yrs 9, 10, 11
Cross Country - All years
RS: RS Ambassadors
Geog: Film Club - Yrs 7, 8 & 9

Friday
Student Hub 8:15a.m - Drop in session - Student Hub
Music: Lunchtime - Choir in MU1 - all welcome
Concert Orchestra Grade 1 to 4 in MU2
Tutti Flutie/Wacky Wind invite only in MU1
GCSE Aid in MU2/Office
PE: Cheerleading - Yrs 7, 8
Hockey - Yrs 7, 8
Fitness - All years

”The Angry Society” (Debating Society) - Meets monthly - dates to be advised

21
Our Community

Covenant Youth Choir’s

successful tour to Belgium
The Covenant Youth Choir, based at St Lawrence Church
in Alton, has just returned from a successful tour to
Belgium which included a concert in the seaside town of
De Panne and participating in the Last Post ceremony at
the Menin Gate in Ypres.

The concert in De Panne helped raise much-needed

funds for the town’s church to look after refugees in the
area. The choir sang a wide range of music to an
enthusiastic and hospitable audience.
engagements are completed for this academic year, the
The highlight of the trip though, was the chance to choir will turn to learning a fresh repertoire for next year.
participate in the Last Post Ceremony in Ypres. We sang If you are aged between 11 and 18, enjoy singing a wide
Abide with Me, unaccompanied and in a biting north wind, variety of music (secular to sacred and gospel to pop) in
underneath the great arch where 55,000 names of those company with enthusiastic and friendly young people,
who died on the Ypres Salient are inscribed. It was come along to the Open Evening on Friday, 1st July at
humbling to meet some of those who had come to the 6.15pm in St Lawrence Church and find out more. There
ceremony, more than 300 of them, who were deeply is no audition and we cater for all abilities. You just need
moved by the singing. ‘We were very cold to start with but a willingness to work hard and be prepared to sing in
once we started singing, I forgot about the cold some unusual venues and places!
completely’ commented Liam Harman, Year 11 Student. Mrs Windsor
Having toured the First World War cemeteries during the
day, the young people appreciated the importance and
significance the ceremony has. Now that all their concert

Charity Zumbathon exceeds

expectations
The event organised by Alton Zumba Instructor Kate
Sadler and her team in the Spring Term raised a
staggering £5,450.29 for Cancer Research UK. Well
done to all involved!

Shona takes the plunge

Good luck to Shona Robertson, one
of our Year 7 students, who is doing
an open water swim in Newham,
London in July. Shona is raising
money for The Children's Trust
which is the UK's leading charity for children with brain
injury. If you would like to support Shona you can do so
at www.justgiving.com/Shona-robertson4

22
Amery Hill Association News
need to step down at this year’s Annual General Meeting
Interested in getting involved? in October, so we need some volunteers to come forward
As we come to the end of a busy school year the AHA for these roles. Jane and Ange will still be available for
has continued to support the school this term by making support and guidance for the next academic year. Our
refreshments for the teachers at parent consultation current Treasurer, Sue Bayliss, also needs to step down
evenings, organised the bar at the Spring and Summer after the next academic year as we all have older children
Concert and provided refreshments for almost 200 Year who will be moving on from Amery Hill. If the AHA is to
11 students and their parents on their last official day as continue to exist and support the school we need new
Amery Hill students after their Leavers’ Service. volunteers to come forward who are willing to take on
these roles as we are legally required to have an elected
We are looking forward to helping out at the new whole committee in order to exist as
school celebration, The Big Picnic, on Wednesday an association. It’s not a huge
14th July. The AHA will be funding and running a time commitment and we only
refreshment and ice cream stall during the picnic from plan to support events and
11:00am to 2:00pm. If this is something you would like to organise fundraising activities
help out with we’d love to hear from you! that we know we can
comfortably cover with the
Our next official meeting will be on Wednesday, 21st volunteers we have: no one is
September at 7:00pm in the Library at school. We will be ever pressurised into
outlining and finalising our calendar and commitments for something they don’t have the
the 2016/2017 school year and would love to see some time to do!
new faces and fresh ideas, especially for fundraising
activities. There will also be an informal meeting for Please contact me if you have any questions or would
drinks and a chat at the French Horn in Alton on like any further information about the AHA. I look forward
Wednesday, 6th July at 7pm. Please come along if you to seeing you at the next meeting.
would like to find out more about the AHA or are
interested in getting involved next year. Jane Isaac
Chair
Our current chair, Jane Isaac, and secretary, Ange Bray, [email protected] or 07809 429002

Bag 2 School Fundraiser Attendance

Thank you to those of you who supported Good attendance is essential if students are to achieve
this fundraiser. We raised £124 for the their full potential. To report an absence please contact
School Trust. our Attendance Officer on 01420 81301 or
e-mail [email protected].

School Calendar
Friday 1st July Yr 6 induction day
Tuesday 5th July 6:00pm to 9:00pm Open evening

Thursday 7th July Informal Music Concert: Holland Tour

Thurs 7th and Fri 8th July Yr 10 Geography trip to Thorpe Park

Sunday 10th July Holland Music Tour departs

Monday 11th July 6:00pm Yr 6 parents’ information evening

Tuesday 12th July Yr10 DofE Presentation Evening

Thursday 14th July 7:00pm Sports Presentation Evening

Wednesday 20th July Final day of summer term

Wednesday 7th September First day of autumn term for Year 7

Thursday 8th September First day of autumn term for Years 8, 9, 10, 11

For up to date information, please refer to the calendar on the

website which is updated regularly

23
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