Jack Pettit (12Otter) recently traveled to Scotland to compete in a National windsurf event.  Here is a blog of his time there:

“Over the week of the 10th-17th October I made the long trip up to the beautiful Isle of Tiree. On the first day, after registering at the event HQ, with a clean head high wave and little wind a majority of the competitors headed over to Balevullin for a surf and SUP. With the island being quite small and a lot of people on it all with very similar interests there was a very strong community feel all week. The island was absolutely amazing with lovely beaches and perfectly clear waters. On a calm day we went for a SUP cruise with great views and met some friendly seals on the way.

“Wednesday was the day with the best conditions for competition with all fleets completing both a single and double elimination. As well as entering the Youth Fleet I also entered the Ams fleet which gave some really good competition with the likes of Local Tiree lad Tris Levie and RRD sailor Ben Page. In the single elimination I was really happy to get through my first heat and then second heat which put me in the final. Unfortunately I finished 4th in this but I was so happy that I got to the final anyway!! We then ran a double elimination where Tris Levie was making a comeback but I managed to defend my 4th position against him. This meant that I then challenged Ben Page for 3rd place but he was sailing really well and so I stayed in 4th. Ben then climbed all the way up to challenge Scott McDowell for first, beat him which took it to a super final where they both sailed amazingly and Scott defended this first place.

“My Dad did very well in the Masters fleet where he won the single elimination!! Unfortunately he was knocked down to second in the double. My sister also did well as she entered the Ladies fleet and finished 4th overall having been placed 5th, 4th, 4th and finally 3rd in the heats she sailed.

“Before heading up there I received the new 2016 Ga IQ’s and Tabou Da Curves. After a few tips about setting up the sails from Ross Williams I headed out on the kit for the fist time. WOW!!! It felt absolutely amazing. I was one of the very few planing and on the waves there was power when you needed it and it was light and neutral when you wanted it to be. Can’t wait to sail it again soon. On the weekend of the 24/25th October 2XS is running a demo weekend down at West Wittering Beach, come down and try the kit for yourself!

“Finally a big thanks to my sponsors for helping me to get here. Especially Tabou and GA Sails for the amazing kit.”

Congratulations to Jack who is now in a strong position to try and retain his title of ‘British Wavesailing Champion’ at the last round in Cornwall over half term.

Bishop Martin recently issued a formal apology following the settlement of a legal civil claim regarding sexual abuse against the Right Reverend George Bell, who was Bishop of Chichester from 1929 until his death on 3rd October 1958.

I published the following to the press today:

PRESS RELEASE – Bishop Martin’s apology in connexion with Bishop George Bell

Nick Taunt, Headteacher of Bishop Luffa School, said, “I support wholeheartedly the Bishop of Chichester’s statement about child abuse. It is right that public organisations like schools and the church should be particularly open and vigilant to ensure that young people are safe and can thrive in a trustworthy and secure environment.

Mr Taunt said, “Since arriving as Head in 2000, the security and safety of the young people in the School’s care has been an over-riding priority.

“We create an open culture in school in which pupils and staff can talk frankly about serious issues.  Pupils trust the adults who work here and know that they can speak to them about any concerns they may have.

“When pupils speak to us they are always listened to.  We regularly talk with pupils about any aspect of their school experience that they think needs improving.

“I am pleased that, in every formal inspection and every survey we ourselves undertake,  pupils and their parents feel that the school is a safe, secure and happy environment.”

The School’s last Inspection, under the SIAMS process, took place in February 2015 and was judged outstanding in every area. It comments, “The understanding that ‘everybody matters’ and should be ‘entitled to the best’ has a significant impact on relationships across the school. Pupils and parents remark on the care and family feel and relate this to the Christian atmosphere of the school. Pupils develop a strong sense of the importance of equality as they grow in their understanding of the school’s values.”

The last OfSTED Inspection judged as outstanding every area of the School, including Safeguarding and Personal development and well-being.

Nick Taunt, Headteacher

The latest School Newsletter looks back at all the exciting events and activities that have taken place this half term.  Key school dates are listed for the forthcoming half term.

We wish you all an enjoyable half term holiday and look forward to seeing pupils and students back on Monday 2 November.

Bishop Luffa boys Ollie Wise (11Ridgeway), Luke Campbell (11Story), Will Marley (11Wilson), Theo Marley (11Sherborne), Oscar Warrington (11Wilson), Tom Dawtrey (12King) and Pierce Brennan (9Bell) recently took part in the Annual Hill Climb championships with their cycling club Southdown Velo.

The hill climb was a race up Knights Hill – from Charlton to the Trundle.  From a field of 40, all of whom were adults apart from the boys, Ollie, Luke and Tom were the winning team.

Ollie was 4^th overall and Southdown Velo’s fastest rider, Luke 5^th and Tom 7^th.  Oscar was close behind them, whilst Will, Theo and Pierce all put in superb performances.

Congratulations to all the boys.

The Arts Faculty have an exciting array of performances and events throughout the year aimed at providing pupils with the opportunity to collaborate, perform and create a wide variety of work. The Arts Programme – Autumn 2015 provides details of all the opportunities available.

The Charity Fashion Show, organised by the Sixth Form, is a major event in the School calendar. This year’s show will take place on the evenings of Monday 23rd, Tuesday 24th, and Wednesday 25th November. Tickets are now on sale at a cost of £5 for the Monday and Tuesday, and £7 for Wednesday.

The Fashion Show will once again be supporting our three Sixth Form charities. Hope and Homes for Children works with children in Romania, ensuring they have a safe home and a family. Grassroots works in Tanzania and other parts of the world, supporting children affected by poverty. Finally, The Sussex Snowdrop Trust works with and supports children with life threatening illnesses, and their families. This year we are aiming to raise even more money than the last to support these valuable charities.

We very much look forward to seeing you at the show.

A group of A level Psychology students recently visited Marwell Zoo.  Two students described their day:

Izzy Rowland (12King) wrote “At Marwell we did an observational study on two different animals and compared the similarities and differences in their behaviours. In order to do this we recorded categories of behaviour every 30 seconds in a table and later compared them. We presented these findings to the rest of the group.

This helped us use methods that we had used in class and recognise the strengths and weaknesses of the research technique. Applying the theory to a real situation really helped me learn because I was more involved and had to think about what I was studying. Everyone had to take part and so everyone learnt more about observational studies and they are more likely to remember it.  I really enjoyed this trip because it was fun and educational. I liked observing the animals and being able to learn more about them alongside my studies.”

Chelsea Hanna (12Wilson) said “Our psychology trip (despite the rain), was full of interesting and very relevant information as we had already began to learn about similar research methods in school. For example, we were able to apply our knowledge of observational studies to the research aim. This trip was a helpful way to use our knowledge of different observation methods and put them into practice.

“Our pilot study was an observation of rat behaviour, then a comparison of animals in the park of our choice (Meerkats and Tamarin monkeys), we then presented our findings to each other. This included making a table of results, a graph and a conclusion.

“This was a good way to show we understood the types of observation schedules used in psychology. It helped me understand in more detail. Therefore, this trip was a good way of extending my knowledge of psychology research methods and very interesting in regards to finding new information to apply to my studies.”

On Wednesday 4 November Mrs Williams and 10 of our Digital Leaders went to the Digital Leader Conference 2015.  Groups of Digital Leaders were invited to meet at King Edward VI School, Southampton, for a day of learning and sharing. The day included presentations from pupils on their favourite projects of the previous school term.  Bishop Luffa pupils talked about their success earlier in the year with the KoduKup UK Competition.

The pupils were in cross school groups and participated in various workshops that included: Green Screening, Sphero challenge, Student radio broadcasting, Pi/Auirdno workshop, VBlogging, Banana Piano with Makey Makeys, Kodu, Lego Mindstorm and more.  All who attended agreed it was an excellent day! On Twitter search #DLNetwork15 for more information on what went on.

This weekend sees the launch of the new system for booking Parents Consultation Evening appointments. Parents of Year 10 pupils will be the first to use the new online system and have already received guidance about how this can be done. We hope the system will provide our parents with greater control over the teachers they see and the times of their appointments.

If you are a parent of a Year 10 pupil appointments can be made from 7.00pm on Sunday 15 November by clicking the link on the right hand side of the website entitled Book a Parents Evening Appointment and a copy of the guide which has been already sent is also available for download.

If you do not have access to the internet to allow you to book appointments a dedicated ansaphone service has been set up in school to allow appointments to be made over the phone; details of this have been provided in the letter.

Initially a maximum of 5 appointments are available, with additional appointments being released before the system closes at 12pm on Wednesday 25 November, ahead of the Year 10 Parent Consultation Evening on Thursday 26 November.

We hope the system improves your experience and welcome your feedback.

Stuart White, Assistant Headteacher

At Monday’s House Assembly, pupils heard the result of the vote for the new name of their House: Andrewes House.  For information about Bishop Lancelot Andrewes, one of the leaders in the translation of the Authorised Version of the Bible, and details of the voting process, please see the attached presentation.

After the sadness of  the news about Bishop Bell, I am delighted that the House now bears the name of such an illustrious Bishop of Chichester.

Nick Taunt, Headteacher

Please find attached the Summer 2016 Exam Timetable.  This is a draft and subject to change, therefore please do not book holidays without consulting the school first.  Thank you.

The Sixth Form Fashion Show is being held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. This is a fantastic charity fundraiser and the students have been working hard to make it a great event.  Tickets are still available for the Monday and Tuesday evening priced at £5.

Please note an amendment to the timings of the show.  Doors will now open at 6.30pm, the show starts at 7.00pm and should finish at approximately 9.30pm.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Sixteen teams had a great time racking their brains at the PFA Quiz on Saturday night, trying to work out mind boggling pop anagrams, and answering questions on a whole range of subjects including Songs from the 80s, TV Shows, Christmas Carols, American States, and going back to school to answer questions on maths, physics, chemistry and biology!  After nine gruelling rounds Fishbourne Flyers were crowned the winners with 167 points.  Team GB were great sports and didn’t mind winning the wooden spoons!

Thank you to all the parents who took part and to Simon Tooley for being a great quizmaster.

Following a fantastic qualifying round of the English Schools Swimming Association (ESSA) National swimming relays in September the Year 11 and Sixth Form girls freestyle team found out in early November that they had qualified as then 32^nd fastest team in the country for the National finals. The team travelled up to the National Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park on Saturday 21 November to face the top 30 schools in the country.

The girls, Polly Lorimer (13Ot), Anna Turner (12Ki), Abbie Turner (11Ki) and Sasha Arnell- Smith (11Bu) were finalists in the 4x50m Freestyle relay. Polly got the team off to a fantastic start with the girls in 2^nd position at the first change, followed by Abbie, Anna and finally Sasha (who stood in at the very last minute). The girls swam really well and finished in 29^th place which was an improvement on their entry position. This was a very good result against some extremely strong independent schools, many of whom offer scholarships for their swimming programmes. It is the first time that Bishop Luffa has had a team in the final of this competition and it was a day to remember for the whole team.

Two teachers from Spain have been our guests in school for the past three weeks.   Mr César Prestel Alfonzo and Mrs Margaita Garrido Espanosa spent time in the classroom with pupils and teachers, with a particular emphasis on RE, Psychology, Art and Technology.

“Having the opportunity to witness how English schools work,” said César, “is a rare and precious privilege. For me, getting to know Bishop Luffa School has not only been a privilege, but also an exceptional and revealing experience.”

“I couldn’t believe the kind welcome..”

“The first day as I went to the school I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and a bit nervous,” said Marga. “I imagined everybody completely focused on their teaching with very little time to spend with visiting teachers. That’s why I couldn’t believe the warmth and kind welcome they gave us. From the first moment everybody was so friendly, happy to talk with us, eager to share with us their teaching practice, and to answer our questions.

“Following the students for the first three days was a wonderful experience, and a really good way to get to know the school. All of them, and their friends, adopted us for the day. They were very friendly, happy to answer all our questions, to tell us about their experience in the school, proud to be a part of it.”

“Students must go home very proud..”

“Teachers share a common student-based perspective, fostering interaction, dialogue and participation in class,” commented César. “Our teaching in Spain tends to be focussed on content provided by the teacher. The experience has showed me the amazing power and effectiveness of letting our students develop their own potentialities.”

Marga agreed: “Our students might know a lot of things, but I really admire the deep analysis ability of your students, the complex and interesting essays they are able to write.  I think this is the outcome of a long process, and I’m seeing how it works: how you start training the younger students, making them aware of their cognitive process, of their learning style. From the first lesson I attended, I saw the teachers asking the students to be aware of their learning strategies, asking them to comment and share their successful strategies with the others. You ask your students, in different ways, to be aware of what they have learned in every single lesson. From the comments I heard from the students, they must go home very proud and conscious of all the things they learn every day. In Spain we don’t do this and I think it has to be very motivating for a student to go home every day with such a clear awareness of all the progress he or she made.

“A big family”

“Bishop Luffa School is also exceptional in the way it promotes social cohesion. Everywhere I could sense a feeling of brotherhood and belonging that is rarely to be found in the Spanish schools I know. Morning briefings, daily assemblies and regular meetings are very effective ways to foster community integration. Everybody seems to share the same goals and the same values, so the atmosphere at school reminds me of a big family.

“Moreover, every individual is taken care of, as the school is organized both horizontally (in age groups and key stages) and vertically (in houses).  Every House and every key stage has its own head, who keeps an eye on every student they are responsible for. This is an astonishingly effective way of addressing individual problems, both academic and personal, and of making sure that nobody is left behind.”

César added, “It is very interesting the way the tutoring is organized to cover the different students’ needs. How each group has time alone with their tutor but also has assemblies with their House and with their Year. I think this is reinforcing students’ relationships in many different directions.”

“Learning from each other . . ”

“I find very interesting the attention you pay to the feedback from the students. Everyday I have a look at the CPD [Professional Training] Board in the Staffroom to read the students’ comments on the green pen, the way you help them prepare their exams, their favourite way of ending a lesson. It is amazing that this is such an important place on the staff room, it is such a good way to learn from each other and from the students!

“The experience is being very enriching for me. I’m learning something from every single teacher I’m with, and from the chats with other teachers in the staff room. Everybody is taking care of me, making me feel at home, a member of your community. I’m really grateful for all the things you are giving me.”

“But more formal than Spain”

César pointed out another difference between Spanish and English schools. “There is also another key aspect of English education which I find striking, and which refers to the teacher’s role in the class. In stark contrast with what is usual in Spain, there is a clear formal distance between English teachers and their pupils. This detachment is not only visible in the dress code that everybody respects, but also in the teachers’ words, gestures and attitudes. I am well aware of the cultural differences between England and Spain, and I also understand the importance of the authority role that teachers are supposed to represent. But I personally feel more comfortable with a warmer, more affectionate way of teaching.

“Nevertheless, taking into account the outstanding teaching standards at Bishop Luffa and the exceptional results of their students in their tests, I can only feel grateful and honoured for the exceptional opportunity of visiting this school. For me, this extraordinary experience has been a source of inspiration and an incentive to reflect on how to improve my own way of teaching.

“Hopefully, the wide range of activities and techniques I had the opportunity to witness will help me to change my own approach to education, shifting the focus of the lesson in order to place students in the centre of the process, and making them more aware of their own cognitive processes.”

November 2015

A fantastic time was had by all during the three night run of the Sixth Form Fashion Show.  With a theme of Now That’s What I Call Greatest Hits, the Sixth Form danced their way through songs from the 60s all the way through to 2015.

Over the last 20 years the Bishop Luffa Sixth Form has raised over £85,000 for various charities.  This year the Fashion Show as raising money for The Sussex Snowdrop Trust, Hope and Homes for Children and Grassroots, which are three charities very close to the Sixth Form’s heart.

The Fashion Show was a great success with every aspect put together by the Sixth Form, from wardrobe management to curtain-pullers, performers to front of house, logo design to presenters.

Thanks must go to the local community and companies who offered their support by providing clothes for the evening – these included Classix Ladieswear, St Wilfrid’s Hospice, C&H Fabrics, Beyond the Fringe, Cotswold, Moss Bros, Jumping Jacks, Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation, Game Set & Match Ltd, British Red Cross, Pink Pig Party Shop, Barnardos and Filarinskis.  Thanks also goes to Theo Marley (11Sh) who was official photographer for the event.

Well done to everyone involved – the total raised is not yet known but is likely to be at least £2,000.

Worth Less – West Sussex Schools campaign for fairer funding

You may well be aware that schools across West Sussex are facing a looming funding crisis.

Financial settlements for all public sector services are under pressure and education is not alone in having to manage limited finances carefully.  Schools in West Sussex are, however, facing much greater challenges than many others.  An out-dated funding formula used by central government, continues to create a situation where pupils across the county are being short changed.

Currently, the average funding for each pupil in mainstream funding in West Sussex is £4,198 (it is much less for West Sussex primary school pupils).  The national average is £4,612 and in areas of London, the average per pupil funding is well in excess of £6,000.  If West Sussex children were funded at average levels, schools across the county would receive an extra £41m per year.  If our West Sussex funding was matched against some London authorities, the sum would be a staggering £212m per year.

As such, schools in West Sussex are struggling to make ends meet and our children are being significantly disadvantaged.  Teacher to pupil ratios are increasing, as are class sizes.  We are finding it extremely difficult to be financially competitive and recruit the very best staff – particularly in shortage subjects – and there is simply not enough money to resource basic items such as computers and text books.  Youngsters with particular needs and disabilities are also suffering from a lack of funding.

The time for change is now upon us and we need urgent action.  The good news is that the government has recognised that the current situation is grossly unfair and on Wednesday 25 November, announced that a new national funding formula would be introduced.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-34921585

Sadly, however, schools up and down the county cannot afford to wait for our children to be funded fairly.  We are, therefore, campaigning vigorously for two important goals:

• A substantial interim payment to West Sussex to help reduce the funding inequalities that we face.
• The rapid introduction of a new formula that ensures that children in West Sussex are no longer worth less than other students in England.

Along with every Headteacher in the county, I am writing to parents to ask for their support and make you aware of our ‘Worth Less?’ campaign.

Our initial work, which has been fully supported by a number of local MPs, has already begun to make a real difference.  We have also benefited from the issue gaining extensive coverage from radio and TV outlets.

We are delighted to announce that local newspapers from Bognor Regis to East Grinstead, are supporting this crucial piece of work and extensive coverage will appear in the next few days.  West Sussex County Council are also fully endorsing the strategy and I hope very much that you will too.

What you can do:

• Contact your local MP and maintain the pressure for reform and interim transitional funding.
• Spread the word and ‘like us’ on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/WorthLessWestSussex

• Talk to family and friends in order to galvanise support.
• Keep up to date with our campaign by contributing to and following various media outlets.

http://www.wscountytimes.co.uk/news/local/headteachers-warn-of-looming-crisis-in-funding-of-west-sussex-schools-1-6671263

I look forward to working with you and keeping you fully updated as we embark upon this crucial campaign together.

Mr Nick Taunt, Headteacher

KS3 boys and girls and KS4 boys and girls competed on consecutive Mondays after school at the Area Table Tennis tournament at The Regis School in Bognor. Bishop Luffa won the team competition at both U13 and U16 age levels for both boys and girls, and went through to contest the County Table Tennis Championships.

The County Table Tennis Championships took place at Tanbridge House School in Horsham. Whilst the Bishop Luffa teams were beaten at this stage they all played against winning teams with players ranked in either the top15 or top 10 nationally.

Particular credit should go to Frances Jones who played with a broken arm and when her broken arm got too painful switched to playing with her left hand.

In addition the top two boys and top two girls from the competing schools at the area stage will combine to make a WSW team. These top four players representing the local area are all from Bishop Luffa. The next round will be tough but they have lots of time to practice for this competition which will take place on Thursday 23 June 2016 at the K2 centre in Crawley.

The players who represented Bishop Luffa this season are:

U13 – Joe Jackson (7RI); Ollie Jackson (7SH); Gilbert Jones (8OT); William Glanville(8OT); Danielle Morrison (8OT); Grace Kemp (8OT); Emily Williams (8KI); Josie Daines (7); Phoebe Butcher (7WI); Maggie King (8AN).

U16 – George Blake (9BU); Charlie Blake (9AN); Flynn Baxter (11RI), Benedict Targett (11RI), Matt Spencer (10WI), Ben Carter (11KI). Heidi King (10AN), Lucie West (10AN), Freya Peake (10SH); Hattie Fowler (10OT); Alice Curruthers (11AN); Frances Jones (11OT).

My thanks to all the players who took part, played well and showed great determination in all their matches.

Rick West, Head of Economics

Otter House pulled out all the stops recently donating over 100 Christmas shoe boxes. The boxes will be delivered to children by a local charity, Stella’s Voice.

Otter House are proud to support this worthwhile charity, helping children to enjoy Christmas, knowing that they are remembered and that somebody does care.

Stella Richi, Head of Otter House

On Saturday 21 November, a group of Sixth Form students visited Bournemouth Crown Court to compete in the Bournemouth Regional Heat of the Bar Mock Trial Competition.

The competition involved a lot of rehearsing beforehand to ensure that our team was well prepared. Firstly, we were given the two cases which had their own story lines and roles to be filled. Once the barristers and witnesses were chosen, we had to make sure that our approaches to each character were realistic and consider the arguments that needed to made for both the prosecution and defence from the witness statements given. For each role in the competition, whether barrister, witness or court staff, the same amount of points were allotted so it was really important to get each one right. After the preparation, all that was left was to arrive on the day and perform!

Joseph Foye (12Bu), a prosecution barrister on the team, explained the process:

“Being in a courtroom can be intimidating at first, but once you open your mouth all the nerves just fizzle out. After the formalities and opening speeches, which introduce the case, it starts with the examination-in-chief of the first witness. This requires concentration; none of the questions can be leading, because it’s all about letting the witness tell their story.

“Cross examination comes next; this is the fun part for barristers! You’re putting pressure on the witness (who is representing the other side, and in our case the other school) to try and find flaws in their argument. If done well, the jury are persuaded to fall on your side. After all the witnesses have been questioned, it’s time for the closing speeches. This is the final chance to convince the jury to side with you, and so a good one is essential. Finally, after what feels like a very, very long wait, the jury give their verdict!”

For both law students and anyone else interested in gaining a better understanding of the court process, this was a fantastic experience. Our hard-working team made the whole process very rewarding and I would strongly recommend it to anyone.

“It was, for me, a complete eye opener to what the justice system was really like. To find out for myself what it was like in a court room has really cemented my love of law and my desire to become a criminal barrister. The whole experience itself was one of the most incredible and fun things I have taken part in. Not only did I have the most amazing time, it also has given me a drive for my future and a drive to succeed which will allow me to go into law after university.” (Chayleigh Jennings (12An), a defence barrister in the competition).

Bethany Catchpole 12 King