Students new to the Sixth Form this September recently enjoyed three fun-filled days at the University of Chichester as part of their induction programme.

The emphasis was very much on developing the skills required to make a smooth transition from GCSE to A-level study and into Sixth Form life. One session on the Paralympic sport of Blind Football (ably taught by lecturers from the University’s Sports Participation Team) focused on developing empathy, teamwork and communication skills. Another aimed to increase confidence and overcome fears through a range of water sports (at the Chichester Watersports Centre). An introduction to the study skills required to succeed at A-level (students developing their own set of post-16 learning principles) was also provided. The wealth of extra-curricular opportunities on offer to Sixth Formers was promoted and even included a presentation from Mr Goldsmith on next year’s Grassroots Tanzania trip. Intellectual and creative faculties were put to the test in one night’s ‘Big Quiz’ amusingly compered by new Sixth Form tutor, Mr Collins.

Well done to all those who took part in an enjoyable and successful residential. Thank you to Reverend John Dane (University of Chichester Chaplain), Mrs Fribbens, Mrs Jones, Mr West and Sixth Form tutors for their assistance.

We look forward to all students making a positive start to their A-level studies and fully embracing life in the Sixth Form this September.

Mr J A Saunders, Assistant Headteacher – Head of Sixth Form

Twenty-six pupils successful completed their Silver Qualifying expedition in the New Forest at the weekend. The Year 11 pupils went on the expedition in what were near perfect conditions in the New Forest.

I would like to thank all the volunteers that have assisted with the Silver training and expeditions over this year.

Mr A Jackson, Head of KS4

Our two Exploration Days this week have been packed with energy and concentration. Year 7 were involved in a variety of workshops focusing on music, drama, art, multimedia and dance, and a maths day looking at problem-solving.  Year 8 visited the INTECH Centre, Forest Schools and had a fun packed D&T day.  Year 9 have visited the Neasden Temple and had a day of PE activities.  Year 10s had a Shakespeare Study Day and a Health & Wellbeing activity day.

RE Pupil-led learning in action

I am delighted that we have been awarded the Gold RE Quality Mark in recognition of our outstanding RE provision and the RE team’s contribution to the wider RE community both locally and nationally.

This year just 14 secondary schools nationally were awarded the Gold REQM, and Bishop Luffa is the first Gold award-winner on the South Coast.

The REQM celebrates high quality RE that offers pupils authentic experiences and a thought-provoking range of enquiry-based learning styles. It provides them with the chance to explore the big ideas of religion and belief and to think about what matters in their own lives. Good RE supports the development of the whole child.

The REQM provides a powerful tool for development, giving us ideas and confidence for developing our practice even further.

The Gold REQM also recognises our work supporting RE teaching and learning in other schools through sharing teaching styles and approaches, disseminating resources and giving advice and encouragement to explore the range and quality of teaching and learning in RE.

With the renewed focus from Ofsted on the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development for all pupils, alongside promotion of ‘British Values’, it is more important than ever that RE is recognised and celebrated.

To achieve REQM Gold, we had to undergo a rigorous application process, followed by a validation visit from a professional RE consultant. We were assessed on many areas of our provision including RE in the curriculum, pupil’s spiritual development, working locally and nationally with other RE professionals and how we enable pupils to express their own viewpoints whilst respecting diversity of thought and belief.  Congratulations to Mrs Angela Smith and the RE Team, and particularly to Mrs Rosie Bradberry who led the process and evidence gathering for us.

We hope you share our pride in being nationally recognised for our RE provision.

The last school newsletter of this academic year comes at the end of an exciting and busy term. The School Newsletter July 2015 captures the highlights.

The Exam Results Days 2015 Information Poster gives full details of when pupils and students can pick up their GCSE and A-level results. A-level Results Day is Thursday 13 August and the GCSE Results Day is Thursday 20 August. The times of when you can pick up your results are on the poster, together with all the arrangements if you are unable to be here on the day.

Congratulations to the following pupils who have been selected to play in West Sussex Music County Ensembles this year.  The West Sussex Music County Ensembles represent the pinnacle of musical achievement for young musicians in West Sussex.

West Sussex Youth Orchestra: Finn Middleton (12 Otter), Oliver Meredith (11 King), Benjamin Norris-Warton (12 Burrows), Natalie Inker (11 Bell), Tyler Gaucheron-Land (9 Story), Louis Forsyth (13 Ridgeway), Mae Lavender Forsyth (11 Ridgeway)

West Sussex Youth Choir: Elen Munro (9 Ridgeway), Amy Kirkman (9 Ridgeway), Aniko Gyopos-Cooke (7 Wilson), Samantha Humphreys (12 Story), Ned Bennett (7 Sherborne), Anna Creber (11 Ridgeway)

West Sussex Youth Wind Orchestra: Naomi Everard (11 Ridgeway), Louis McPherson (10 Story)

A-LEVELS: Congratulations to a wonderful group for fantastic results

Thundery skies did not dampen our Sixth Formers’ celebration of outstanding A Level results. More than a third of all the exams taken by the group of 146 students gained grades A*-A.  With a 99% pass rate, 64% of all their exams achieved grades between A*-B.

Mr Jamie Saunders, Head of Sixth Form, said, “These are fantastic results for a wonderful group of young people. Most have secured places at top universities to read an array of interesting subjects. Others are embarking on exciting gap years or beginning careers.”

One individual success story of particular note was Lili Gyarmath-Nagy’s. Lili joined Bishop Luffa Sixth Form three years ago having emigrated from Hungary. With very little ability in English and few formal qualifications her first year was very challenging but she persevered to retake her courses and finally achieve A*s in both English Literature and Media Studies and a B in History. She begins a degree in English Literature and Politics at The University of Glasgow this autumn.

“Exam results are only one part of growing up,” added Mr Saunders. “This Sixth Form group have learnt to think beyond themselves and care for each other. They think seriously about the world ahead of them – and their role in society. And they have developed friendships that will last a lifetime.  I am very proud of them and wish them every success in the future.”

It is always a great pleasure to see students’ delight when they open their results envelopes.  A-Level is strenuous and demanding. The courses challenge not only students’ academic ability but also their determination to work hard, particularly when the going is tough. They have worked well together and learnt those skills of collaboration, resourcefulness, reliability and resilience that will stand them in good stead in the future. Many congratulations to all our students.

Six students have secured places at Oxford and Cambridge:  Joe Duncan-Duggal (to read Natural Sciences at Homerton, Cambridge), Lizzie Galloway (History at St John’s Cambridge), Laura Holden (History at Queen’s, Oxford), Olivia Lisle (Architecture at Trinity Hall, Cambridge), Phoebe Noble (Mathematics at New College, Oxford),  and Annie Slater (Veterinary Medicine at Newnham, Cambridge). Having also achieved top grades, three students take up places to study Medicine: Hannah Mudd and Jemma Wilson, both at Cardiff University, and Hannah Lyons at Leeds.

Students who received top results last summer and in turn reapplied for university this year secured the following places: Billy Trinkwon (English Literature at Girton College, Cambridge), Chris Taylor (Law at Cambridge), Heritage Oluwarounke (Medicine at Cardiff), Charlotte Vawdrey (Veterinary Medicine at Edinburgh), Hannah Pocock (Veterinary Science at Liverpool) and Alice Bugeja (Spanish and Management at St Andrews).

A further 19 students gained three or more A* or A grades each and have the following plans: Annabelle Acres (gap year then Veterinary Medicine), Lara Andrews (Combined Honours in Arts, Durham), George Bell (Business Administration at Bath), Joseph Course (Business Management at Exeter), Olivia Creber (Philosophy and French at Bristol), Richard Creswick (Mechanical Engineering at Nottingham), Eleanor Fox (PPE at Nottingham), Molly Gilbert (Psychology at Cardiff), Tim Hildyard (Mathematics at Bath), Ella Jones (English Literature at Cardiff), Jack Nearney (Law at Bristol), Eleanor Overton (Psychology at Exeter), Lucy Pratt (Social Anthropology at St Andrews), William Price (Geography at Cardiff), Matthew Shipton (Mathematics at Bath), Emily Simpson (Pharmacy at Nottingham), Olly Troy (Pharmacology at Bristol), Hugo Tucker (Economics at Leeds), and Nicola Wood (Biochemistry at Leeds).

Mr Nick Taunt, Headteacher

A-Level exams summary for Year 13 students

The UCAS points score for each grade is awarded as follows:

+Calculated by adding together the points score of each A2 entry and dividing by the total number of entries.

++This points score includes the fourth AS grade that most students took in Year 12.

Pupils and teachers were delighted at their strong results. With exams becoming tougher, particularly in English and Maths, it is particularly good to see 81% of the year group gaining A*-C grades in English and 89% in Maths.

Overall, 76% pupils gained at least five GCSE A*-C grades including English and Maths. More than a third of all entries were awarded A* or A grades.  39 pupils gained at least eight A*-A grades. “Pupils worked extremely hard across the wide ability range,” said Mr Andy Jackson, Head of Key Stage 4. “Several have overcome considerable difficulties to get great results.”

It is a great pleasure working with dedicated teachers and support staff: their excellent teaching and support has been unstinting.  Pupils have also benefited from their parents’ support for their children and the School.

32 Year 11 pupils also took AS Theology a year early. With a 91% pass rate, 18 pupils gained A-B grades. The Year 10 group of 36 pupils taking RE GCSE a year early gained an impressive 91% A*-A. Congratulations to them too!

Mr Nick Taunt, Headteacher

GCSE 2015 Summary

Before tucking into a hearty breakfast the new Year 7 pupils were given some words of advice on how to make the most of their very first day at Bishop Luffa.  FROG (also the school’s learning platform) was the buzzword for the day….

F         be friendly

R        be respectful

O        be observant

G        be great!

The morning included a carousel of activities designed to raise the pupils’ expectations of their learning capabilities. These included a presentation from Positively MAD – one pupil commented that the presenter was “awesome and crazy at the same time – I learnt a lot of facts though really quickly.”  There was also a session on Growth Mindset and some traditional (healthy) inter-house competition in the form of ‘spaghetti towers’. Jack in Ridgeway said “we learnt that if you put more effort in, you can get more out.”  Darcey, also in Ridgeway, said “you can actually grow your brain!” “Spaghetti Towers was the best because I’m really competitive,” that was the opinion of Samuel in Sherborne. Daisy in Burrows said that “making friends” was the best part of the day for her.

All the pupils agreed that they had had a great morning and really appreciated the opportunity to have the school to themselves for at least one day, helping them to feel more confident about finding their way around. We feel confident that they are ready to make a great start at Bishop Luffa!

Mr Neil Topley, Head of Key Stage 3

Year 12 enjoyed a jam-packed Induction Day today. A number of sessions were delivered to help our new Sixth Formers bridge the gap from GCSE to A-level. Outside agency, Positively MAD provided a range of interactive activities designed to build students’ study skills, independence, organisation and autonomy. Charlie Oldfield (12King) said “The presenter was cool and really good. We learnt a lot of new techniques to help us with our A-level work.”

Another session, ‘Breathe’ helped students consider their spiritual development as young adults with a responsibility to the wider world. “I was persuaded to think about issues and ideas that I’d never fully considered before,” enthused new student Lily Potts (12Sherborne). “The session made me feel really calm and focused about my new life in the Sixth Form,” added Aiden Davis (12 Ridgeway).  The Sixth Form Library team took students through the excellent research facilities and study environment provided for them, Amber Chapman (12 Sherborne) finding the session “really motivating.”

Year 12 also met their new tutors and were given a whistle-stop tour of the new Sixth Form Centre and all that it has to offer as a social and workspace, meeting Mrs Jones our new Sixth Form Pastoral Manager along the way.  The day then ended with a game of rounders for those keen enough to still run around (the rain just holding off) organised by the Sixth Form Committee.

Thank you to all staff and students involved for a very successful Induction Day. We look forward to an excellent two years with this promising group of students.

Mr Jamie Saunders, Assistant Headteacher & Head of Sixth Form

Welcome back to all our pupils and students – we hope you enjoyed your first day back at school.  Catch up on the latest news in the first Newsletter of the Year.

The Year 9 Parents Induction Evening was held on Tuesday 8 September.

Please click on the link Year 9 Parents’ Induction Evening Presentation to view the slides used during the evening.  The slides contain useful information and guidance on how to support your child during the year.

The Year 13 Parents Induction Evening was held on Wednesday 9 September.

Please click on the link Bishop Luffa Sixth Form Y13 Parents Induction Evening Sept 2015 to view the slides used during the evening.  The slides contain useful information and guidance on how to support your child during this important year.

Bishop Luffa School has a wide and varied range of School Clubs and Activities that take place both at lunchtime and after school.  A new comprehensive list of Extra Curricular School Clubs and Activities 2015-2016 is now available.

Please do encourage your child to get involved, there is something there for everyone. Please note that there is a charge for some activities.  Judo will start on Friday 18 September.

The Year 10 Parents Induction Evening was held on Wednesday 16 September.

Please click on the link Year 10 Parents’ Induction Evening Presentation to view the slides used during the evening. These contain useful information and guidance on how to support your child during this important year.

There is also a List of Key Dates for Year 10 2015-2016 which you may want to add to your calendar.

The Year 7 Parents’ Induction Evening took place on Tuesday 15 September. Thank you to all those who attended both the presentation and the PFA Cheese & Wine reception.

Please click on the link Year 7 Parents’ Induction Evening Slides September 2015 to view the slides used in the presentation.  These contain useful information and guidance on how to support your child whilst they settle into life at Bishop Luffa.

The Year 12 Parents’ Induction Evening was held on Thursday 17 September.

Please clock on the link Year 12 Parents’ Induction Evening Slides September 2015 to view the slides used during the presentation.  These contain useful information and guidance on how to support your child during this important year.

Congratulations to the following pupils who have been selected to play in West Sussex Music County Ensembles this year.  The West Sussex Music County Ensembles represent the pinnacle of musical achievement for young musicians in West Sussex.

West Sussex Youth Orchestra: Finn Middleton (12 Otter), Oliver Meredith (11 King), Benjamin Norris-Warton (12 Burrows), Natalie Inker (11 Bell), Tyler Gaucheron-Land (9 Story), Louis Forsyth (13 Ridgeway), Mae Lavender Forsyth (11 Ridgeway)

West Sussex Youth Choir: Elen Munro (9 Ridgeway), Amy Kirkman (9 Ridgeway), Aniko Gyopos-Cooke (7 Wilson), Samantha Humphreys (12 Story), Ned Bennett (7 Sherborne), Anna Creber (11 Ridgeway)

West Sussex Youth Wind Orchestra: Naomi Everard (11 Ridgeway), Louis McPherson (10 Story)

A-LEVELS: Congratulations to a wonderful group for fantastic results

Thundery skies did not dampen our Sixth Formers’ celebration of outstanding A Level results. More than a third of all the exams taken by the group of 146 students gained grades A*-A.  With a 99% pass rate, 64% of all their exams achieved grades between A*-B.

Mr Jamie Saunders, Head of Sixth Form, said, “These are fantastic results for a wonderful group of young people. Most have secured places at top universities to read an array of interesting subjects. Others are embarking on exciting gap years or beginning careers.”

One individual success story of particular note was Lili Gyarmath-Nagy’s. Lili joined Bishop Luffa Sixth Form three years ago having emigrated from Hungary. With very little ability in English and few formal qualifications her first year was very challenging but she persevered to retake her courses and finally achieve A*s in both English Literature and Media Studies and a B in History. She begins a degree in English Literature and Politics at The University of Glasgow this autumn.

“Exam results are only one part of growing up,” added Mr Saunders. “This Sixth Form group have learnt to think beyond themselves and care for each other. They think seriously about the world ahead of them – and their role in society. And they have developed friendships that will last a lifetime.  I am very proud of them and wish them every success in the future.”

It is always a great pleasure to see students’ delight when they open their results envelopes.  A-Level is strenuous and demanding. The courses challenge not only students’ academic ability but also their determination to work hard, particularly when the going is tough. They have worked well together and learnt those skills of collaboration, resourcefulness, reliability and resilience that will stand them in good stead in the future. Many congratulations to all our students.

Six students have secured places at Oxford and Cambridge:  Joe Duncan-Duggal (to read Natural Sciences at Homerton, Cambridge), Lizzie Galloway (History at St John’s Cambridge), Laura Holden (History at Queen’s, Oxford), Olivia Lisle (Architecture at Trinity Hall, Cambridge), Phoebe Noble (Mathematics at New College, Oxford),  and Annie Slater (Veterinary Medicine at Newnham, Cambridge). Having also achieved top grades, three students take up places to study Medicine: Hannah Mudd and Jemma Wilson, both at Cardiff University, and Hannah Lyons at Leeds.

Students who received top results last summer and in turn reapplied for university this year secured the following places: Billy Trinkwon (English Literature at Girton College, Cambridge), Chris Taylor (Law at Cambridge), Heritage Oluwarounke (Medicine at Cardiff), Charlotte Vawdrey (Veterinary Medicine at Edinburgh), Hannah Pocock (Veterinary Science at Liverpool) and Alice Bugeja (Spanish and Management at St Andrews).

A further 19 students gained three or more A* or A grades each and have the following plans: Annabelle Acres (gap year then Veterinary Medicine), Lara Andrews (Combined Honours in Arts, Durham), George Bell (Business Administration at Bath), Joseph Course (Business Management at Exeter), Olivia Creber (Philosophy and French at Bristol), Richard Creswick (Mechanical Engineering at Nottingham), Eleanor Fox (PPE at Nottingham), Molly Gilbert (Psychology at Cardiff), Tim Hildyard (Mathematics at Bath), Ella Jones (English Literature at Cardiff), Jack Nearney (Law at Bristol), Eleanor Overton (Psychology at Exeter), Lucy Pratt (Social Anthropology at St Andrews), William Price (Geography at Cardiff), Matthew Shipton (Mathematics at Bath), Emily Simpson (Pharmacy at Nottingham), Olly Troy (Pharmacology at Bristol), Hugo Tucker (Economics at Leeds), and Nicola Wood (Biochemistry at Leeds).

Mr Nick Taunt, Headteacher

A-Level exams summary for Year 13 students

(Revised 1 September 2015)

The UCAS points score for each grade is awarded as follows:

+Calculated by adding together the points score of each A2 entry and dividing by the total number of entries.

++This points score includes the fourth AS grade that most students took in Year 12.