Year 10 Geography Residential to Dorset

In May half term the geography department took 24 enthusiastic GCSE students to Osmington Bay in Dorset. The trip combined coastal and tourism fieldwork with some outdoor activities at the PGL centre we stayed at.

Whilst it was raining back in Cheltenham we spent a glorious day on the beach at Durdle Door surveying the fantastic coastal features that Dorset has to offer! The students were a credit to the school and a great time was had by all involved.

Miss Adrienne Niblett - Geography department

50th Anniversary Tour

Click here for information about 50th Anniversary tours.

County Netballers

Congratulation to: Courtney Hind-Smith, Beth Charlton, Jenny Evans, Catherine Middleton and Hannah Rowe for being selected for the Gloucestershire County Netball Satellite Squad.

They are on the first rung of the ladder towards becoming England Netballers!! They will receive extra training as potential county players beginning September. These are five of our most committed netball players, always attending training and practicing nearly every lunch time. Well done.

PE Department

Balcarras' new gym opened recently and has already been a big success. The A-level students have been finding it useful for their training programmes as part of the course, and next year A-level, GCSE and KS4 candidates will all be able to benefit from use of the high tech facilities

Midsummer Music Tonight

Midsummer Music is on tonight, Friday 20th June.

Entry is "ticket only", there is no entry on the door. Doors open at 6pm.

Slimbridge Trip

On Tuesday 17 June we took six pupils from Science Club on a trip to Slimbridge with our visiting head teacher from Kenya Mr Amos Awiti. We fed the birds, looked at the amphibians in Toad Hall and the pupils had a challenge to do which Liam Hampton won.

A great day was had by all!

Slimbridge Trip Photos

Robbie Williams Tribute Night

Friday 4th July - a night not to be missed with Gareth Severn performing as Robbie Williams in aid of the expedition to China. 
Times are 8.00 - 12.00.
Tickets £8 including raffle prize. Tickets available from school reception.

50 Years of Secondary Education on the Balcarras Site!

This year Balcarras School celebrates 50 years of secondary education on its site in Charlton Kings. In 1958 the secondary school moved to new buildings at its East End road site. On the afternoon of Monday 7th July at 2pm the school plans to celebrate this anniversary, and wants to provide former pupils plenty of opportunity to take a trip down memory lane, as well as view the transformation of its facilities over those 50 years.

The school is keen to talk to anyone who attended or worked at the school over the past 50 years`. If you would like to attend this event, have memories to share, photographs or items which you would be willing to lend the school - please contact the school on 515881 or via email admin@balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk.

Maths Challenge

Maths Challenge Photos

Sixth Form Dress-up Day

The Sixth Form recently dressed-up to raise money for charity.

6th Form Dress Up Day Photos

Sports Day

Sports Day Photos

Black Country Museum Trip

45 Year 8 students stepped back to the nineteenth century on Monday 2nd June, during a visit to the Black Country Museum in Dudley. The students experienced a trip down a mine, learning about the conditions and dangers for the workers, as well as touring around the village to find out about the local hardware store, pharmacy, chain-maker and sweet shop. The Victorian school lesson was one of the highlights of the day, where the Year 8s were shown that school today is nowhere near as strict as it was 150 years ago! A well-deserved visit to the funfair ended an enjoyable and educational day.

Elizabeth Gill, History Dept.

Berlin 2008

Berlin 2008 an amazing trip with amazing people, I can easily say that this trip was the best trip that I have ever been on. There was never a dull moment, even throughout the 18 hour coach journeys or some of the never ending museum tours. We all kept up the high spirits. The journey down was full of excitement, optimism and anticipation. The coach was buzzing. I don't think that many people got much sleep that night. We were all too hyped up, at no one time was the coach completely silent. If some were asleep you could be sure that there was someone wide awake and eager to get going.

Our first day started nice and early, something we were all delighted by, we got on the coach to travel over to Sachsenhausen. This was really interesting and at times was quite daunting, especially as it was really cold and not the brightest of days. After this we made visits to Potsdam and Wannsee. Both of these places held important conferences that were vital to Germany's progression throughout the war. Later that evening we visited the Checkpoint Charlie Museum.

Day two was not such an early wake, although it wasn't much of a lie in. We were up and ready to reach our first stop in time, it was at the British Cemetery. Each group was given the name of a soldier and a bunch of flowers, to place by his gravestone. Once we were all back on the coach we travelled over to the Olympic Stadium, we stood outside and took many pictures, and sadly we could not go in as there was a football match being played. We moved swiftly on to 'The Story of Berlin'. A display containing the history of Berlin since the 19th century, we wandered round each exhibition with our teachers giving us our own tour. Following this we were given a guided tour of Berlin's radiation shelter, during this tour we got to lay on the bunker beds. To end the day of museum tours we travelled over to the German Resistance Museum, this was an entertaining visit. To end this day we went to Berlin zoo, where we saw all kinds of animals, the main attraction everyone was searching for was the baby polar bear, Cnut, although after many frustrating minutes of searching we all realised we weren't going to find him. After dinner we got back on the coach and journeyed to the bowling alley. On the coach we had our own little party with old 90's music and flashing lights! A big thanks to our coach drivers who had to endure our beautiful singing, or more like screaming! At the bowling alley was where the Balcarras School bowling tournament took place. It was a close call but our tournament winner was Mel Brill! Second place Hannah Jordan.

The next day we were up even earlier as we had to get to the Reichstag before the queues, surprisingly we arrived before it had even opened. Before we were allowed in, there were strict security checks and searches. Once through, we went up to the top. We had a brief tour from the teachers then we wandered to the top and took many photos. After this we walked over to the Brandenburg Gate, we couldn't walk through it fully as there was a half marathon being run and its path went straight through the middle of the gate. Here was the perfect place for yet another group photo. We then walked over to the Babelplatz, which is where the famous burning of the books took place. We then transferred over to the German History Museum; however the coach was stuck in traffic so we had quite along walk, with a many of us moaning, most of the way. We eventually made are way to the museum, where we were free to wander around the exhibits on display. Sadly the coach still hadn't caught up with us so we had to walk to our next destination, which was the Field of Stelae Memorial. A good thing about this was that it wasn't too far to walk, what made this even better was when we arrived there was a string of shops opposite. So to make up for us having to traipse around Berlin all morning, we were given some time for 'lunch', also known as 'a mini-shopping-spree-followed-by-a-doughnut', or two. Once we had all finished our 'lunch' - doughnuts - we had a guided tour of the Field of Stelae Memorial; why it was built, who designed it, other designs that had been considered and what the memorial itself could represent. After the tour we were taken to the museum below, this was really interesting as in each room the information was represented differently; on the floor, hanging from the ceilings and jutting out from the walls. Later that evening we went swimming in Schoneberg, this was really great fun. Not only was there a great slide, but also diving boards. We had lots of laughs bombing from the 3 metre board.

Sadly it was now our last day in Berlin before travelling home. We were asked to get up very early that morning so that we could put our luggage onto the coach as the coach drivers needed to get some sleep before the journey the next day. So all day we had to use public transport. Before we were allowed to go shopping we visited one last museum, the Jewish museum. We had our final tour guide, which was quite pleasant. This museum is where the 'falling leaves' memorial is located; it was a really moving memorial and I think everyone enjoyed it. Once done with the tour we had lunch then were free to shop in the centre of Berlin for a few hours. Earlier that day a member of the group had gone and collected up some money to buy the teachers a thank-you gift. We decided that chocolate would never fail. Those few hours went by quite quickly and we were soon meeting up again to recruit back onto the coach. We had our last meal at the restaurant then back to the coach for our very long journey home. This time on the coach I'm pretty sure that everyone got a lot more sleep than on the way there. The next morning when we were back in England the teachers gave their presentation. They had all voted on the pupils to see who would win which prize.

' Miranda Howard won 'Most extrovert person on the trip'

' Phoebe Lewis won 'Best dive bomber'

' Hannah Barrett won 'Most cheerful person on the trip'

' Martha Coughlan won 'Best quiz'

' Janika Hauser won "Most Helpful" (As she was the only one of us who could speak fluent.)

' Mel Brill had already received her prize for winning the 'Bowling Tournament'

' Lucy Gibbs, Andy Coulter and James Moore won 'Best poems'

We returned home, all glad to be back, however secretly wishing the trip wasn't over. I must admit to me it was the best trip that I have ever been on, and I do wish it had never ended. I think that there is not one bad thing that I can say about this trip.

One last word that I will say behalf of everyone who went on 'Berlin 2008': BURGER!!!

Berlin 2008 Photos

By Hannah Barrett 10 G1

Cheltenham Science Festival Winner!

Lawrence Collins in Year 7 has won first prize in the "Design a Robot" competition run by Cheltenham Science Festival. He beat 250 other pupils in the 11-13 age range with his design. He won a Lego Mindstorm robot, a tour of GE Aviation and tickets to a Science Festival event.

Well done Lawrence!

New INSET - Friday 13th June

Click here for more details on the INSET day.

Mock Interviews

On Wednesday and Thursday 7th and 8th of May a total of 30 local business people visited the school to carry out mock interviews for the whole of year 10. Each student had an interview that lasted 20 mines and they will each receive an evaluation from their interviewer. This was organised by the Education Business Partnership for the school and all the interviewers were volunteers. The students each filled out a job application as if they were applying for an imaginary vacant post. Some completed this form 5 or 6 time until they produced a perfect copy. He evaluations from the students showed that they found this experience very useful and their reflections will lead them to make a much better impression for their next and real interview and some have shown a determination to improve their exam grades as a result of this experience. Also many were surprised at how important employers found experiences such as team sports, part time employment, and membership of clubs. An ability to show reliability and tenacity by engaging in activities such as learning musical instruments or a commitment to an expedition team was considered a very positive attribute.

Kevin Clancy - Head of Careers

Engineering Education Scheme

On Thursday 8/5/08,4 students from yr 12 travelled to Bristol made a presentation of their work to a panel of judges including representatives from GE Aviation, Messier Dowty’s, Bath University and the Royal Navy. They were competing against 26 schools from the south west region They were accompanied by three engineers from GE Aviation. These were Phil Sumner, Mike Smith and Peter Ow Yong. Colin Jones and Ben Sykes who also helped with the project but were unable to attend. The students from the school were Stephanie Zakaritis, Ellie Baker, Tom Imeson and Will Pash. The student also had to set up an exhibition stand first to show the rotating clock they had made. This comprised of 7 LED’s rotating to give the illusion of a digital clock that shows alternating time and date. GE Aviation had asked for the project to be trialled to see if it would be a suitable vehicle to launch the careers of their graduate entrants next year.

In the past, students have used their experience to gain entry to Oxbridge type Universities. I would like to thank GE Aviation for the time their engineers gave to this project and their financial contribution of £2000. The individuals concerned have made great strides in areas such as technical knowledge, confidence, public speaking, creativity, innovation, teamwork and problem solving. This would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of the engineers from GE who I would like to publicly thank. This has been one of the most successful groups to date and this is mainly due to the varied input of such a wide range of people from one of our most successful local companies.

Kevin Clancy - Head of Careers

Midsummer Music 20th June

Tickets will shortly be available for the annual Midsummer Music festival to be held at Balcarras School on Friday 20th June from 6pm.

Click here for more details.

Car Boot Sale

On Monday 5th May there will be a car boot sale in aid of the Mongolia Expedition 2009. The price of entry is £4 for cars selling goods and £1 for buyers (50p concessions). It will take place at the school and refreshments will be available. Please come along to support the expedition and maybe pick up a bargain!!

MFL Times

Click here to see the MFL Times - a newspaper produced by Year 8 pupils.

Model United Nations 2008

Balcarras represented: Afghanistan, Brazil, Indonesia, Qatar and the United Kingdom

Model United Nations is a simulation of the United Nations General Assembly for students. Each school is assigned a country (or countries), and the students of that school, acting as global ambassadors, are required to each prepare a position paper on issues affecting that country. Students must also prepare speeches and practice for debates, all with the purpose of maintaining or acquiring peace while being an advocate for their country. The student/diplomat will represent a country in one council and will defend the position of his/her country on a given topic, the goal of the session being to reach a consensus in order to write a resolution that will benefit the majority and hopefully improve current international affairs.

MUNGA 2008 was the first time in which Balcarras Sixth Formers had been involved and, will not be the last. Uncertain of what to expect from the event, Year 12 students were understandably nervous. Not wanting to put the Balcarras name to shame, or embarrass ourselves, we were full of anticipation as we embarked upon our journey deep into the heart of Oxfordshire early one Friday morning. Nervous sighs resonated throughout the compact minibus and, on finally arriving at our destination; fingernails were in short supply.

Alicia Sutton-Jennings, delegate for Brazil, arrived Friday morning dressed somewhat "alternatively", to the amusement of all others who had worn suits or clothes similar in formality. However, much to Alicia's delight, on arriving in Wantage Civic Hall, we were apparently drastically overdressed. Having been led to believe that our inexperience could have been our downfall, Balcarras Sixth Form students had strived to put in an abundance of effort to prepare for the day, evidently much more than was needed. Nevertheless, this was no issue, as it merely certified that Balcarras students were an impressively formidable force. Thorough research and hunger to impress proved to be exceptional assets as Balcarras proceeded to annihilate the opposition with powerful opening statements in the plenary debate and continued to impress throughout the entirety of the day. Despite the majority of the Balcarras students being riddled with self-doubt, we managed to leave MUNGA with out heads held high. A little overtly in the case of some people. Who were apparently delusional with ideas of grandeur from their momentary acquirement of power.

Overall, Balcarras students performed extraordinarily well during the debates and throughout the entire day it was evident that we were a threatening foe. Although MUNGA is not a competition and there were no "winners", Mr.Burke is still adamant that we would have won. Although sceptical at first, the general consensus from the students who participated in MUNGA 2008 is that we implore Mr.Burke to continue to involve Year 12 students as we all believed it was an extremely beneficial experience. Not only did we have a splendid day out, but also I believe we all developed a more innate understanding of world politics. This will be of benefit to us at university and beyond. I can ensure, that any future students who wish to participate will be surprised, and immensely pleased with how well they perform during debates and how much knowledge and confidence they gain from the overall experience.

By Charlie Wilson

Salters Chemistry Challenge Winners

On Thursday 27 March we took four Year 8 pupils from Science Club to the Salters Festival of Chemistry at Bristol University. During the morning the teams took part in the Salters Challenge entitled Mystery at Salty Towers, in which they used their analytical chemistry skills.

Another competition using measuring and team-working skills was followed by a fun lecture by Bristol University lecturer Tim Harrison, on atmospheric chemistry.

The pupils had a great day which was finished by winning first prize in the Salters Challenge. They won £100 for the school as well as lots of fun prizes.

Click here for more pictures from the day.

Miss Taylor and Mrs Towers

French Speaking Competition

On Wednesday 12 March, 10 pupils participated in a French speaking competition at Chosen Hill. Well done to our Year 8 who came second and congratulations to our Year 10 who won the competition. They have all worked very hard and deserved their success. Bravo!

Click here for more pictures from the day.

MFL Department

International Week at Naunton Park Primary School

Angelica, our Languages Assistant from Mexico, and Mrs Hockenhull, had the privilege of taking part in 'International Week' at Naunton Park Primary School. Taster lessons in Spanish were taught to Years 4 and 6 and Angelica gave a multi-media presentation about Mexico.

The kids were really enthusiastic and seemed to have a great time. Maybe you can spot your brothers and sisters!

Fashion Show

The 6th form young enterprise group are organising a fashion show next week.

It is on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 March 7:30pm. Doors Open from 7:00pm. Tickets are £3 in advance or £3.50 on the door.

Newsday

Since before Christmas, a bunch of enthusiastic and talented Year 10 students under the guidance of Miss Johnson, Miss Preston, Mrs James and Mrs Lean, have been preparing the Balcarras entry to the annual Newsday competition.

The big day was on Wednesday 12 March, and from 7am onwards the 17 students worked relentlessly under the pressure of breaking news and tight deadlines, helped along with bacon butties and lots of tea!

The day was productive and highly enjoyable - click below to see the photos of the day and the final product, 'The Oak'.

Click here to download 'The Oak'.

Click here to visit 'The Oak' homepage where you can view and download the individual pages.

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Presentations

On Feb 27th six of our Year 14s were presented with Gold Awards for the Duke of Edinburgh Award at St James Palace.

Samantha Cook Under 17 England Netball International Team - European Champions 2008

The PE department ran a trip to Cardiff on 7th March to watch Sam Cook play in the European Netball Championships. Sam played exceptionally well and even when playing at Goal shooter made many interceptions which led to turnovers. Her shooting percentage would also have been very high as she hardly missed a shot and used her power and strength to take every rebound. A full match by match analysis can be found on the All England Netball website if you are interested. This trip was a unique experience and one that made all the 'hairs on the back of your neck stand up', it was a privilege to lead this trip and I hope many others girls will be inspired by what they saw. Sam is certainly a celebrity, even signing her autograph at the end of matches'!!!!

England won the tournament and are the European Champions beating Wales in the final. We wish Sam all the best for the future in her endeavour to gain more International Caps, the start could not be better. Well done!!!

Click here for a video clip from the day (16.3MB).

USA Ski Trip 2009

Unfortunately there has not been enough demand for this trip. Only 25 deposits were handed in by the deadline set (40 was the target to secure the advertised price). Deposits for the USA trip will be returned immediately.

There will be ski trips in 2009 to Europe and details will be announced in due course.

M C Dean (Ski Party Leader)

Dragon's Den Challenge

On 5 February 48 pupils from Years 9 and 10 were selected to take part in a design enterprise challenge. In House teams they competed to create an innovative product design, to manufacture a prototype plus 5 other copies, then to market and present their product to a tough audience including the 'Dragon', Simon Kettle from Set Point. Ideas were rich and varied, ranging from a turbine powered by waste sewage water to a remote control house door key. Standards of presentation and advertising were equally high. The Dragon was unable to decide on an outright winner so it was a split decision between the best team for their revolutionary football boot/sock and the best product which was a wrist gadget for locating mislaid objects. However, both teams were from the same House so it was Graveney that won the day! Well done to all our budding entrepreneurs.

Here's what the pupils had to say about the day:

"I learned that we can all work together no matter if we know each other or not"

"I can produce good work when I concentrate"

"I was not as involved as I should have been. I should contribute more to group things"

"It was important to listen to all of the ideas people gave"

"I have now decided I want to do Business for my options"

"I will now be more confident to use my own ideas"

"Classroom stuff is too structured to use creativity"

"I think I talk too much!"

Click here for more pictures from the day.

Dragons Den Photos

Mrs Williams, Co-ordinator for gifted & talented pupils

Balcarras Ball

Balcarras Ball is on Saturday 29th March in aid of Balcarras Science Department with a donation to the Meningitis Trust. Tickets are £40. For more information e-mail tt@balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk or phone 01242 523286

Click here to download a list of the items available to bid for at the auction (pdf). You can bid for items even if you are not going to the ball.

Click here to download the ball flyer.

Year 10 Geography County Speaking Competition

On the 6th February 2008 a team of ten geography students took part in a speaking competition entitled 'Talking About Places Far Away'. As part of the competition the students had to deliver a speech on a subject of their choice, answer questions on their chosen topic and pose questions to the other teams taking part. The subject of our speech was 'Is AIDS a disease of the uneducated?'. The pupils were fantastic in every aspect of the competiton, but were unfortunately pipped into second position. The team of students were: Simon Astbury, Leah Barrett, Hannah Barrett, Martha Coughlan, Matt Deacon, Becky Peach, Vicky Thomas, Ben Jenkin, Amer Almaghrabi and Ellen Clancy.

Well done to all of those who took part.

Adrienne Niblett (Teacher of Geography)

Kung Fu Club Success

Kung Fu club which was launched in September had its first grading last week. Congratulations to Vicky Thomas who has achieved a Red Belt in Kung Fu. Good luck to those taking their grading this week. If anybody is interested in joining its on a Monday night in the Gym from 3.40 to 4.40, the class is open to all years.

Miss K Williams

Samanta Cook selected for the Under 17 England Netball squad

Samantha Cook has been selected to play for the Under 17 International squad. Samantha faced a series of fitness tests and match play in order for the squad to be scaled down to the 12 players to represent England in the European championships. Samantha's dedication and hard work shone through for her to win a place in the final squad. This is an excellent achievement and Samantha is the first Balcarras pupil to gain Internationl honours in Netball. Samantha will be playing in the European Championships March 7th - 9th in Cardiff. Balcarras school will be running a trip to support Samantha in her first test on March 7th.

Congratulations to Samantha on a superb achievement and good luck!!!!!

Music Quiz

The pupils involved with the 2009 expedition to Tanzania are hosting a music quiz night for all family, friends and other pupils to attend. The interactive quiz with live performances from Balcarras’ best musicians will be held on Friday 7th March in the main school hall, 7:30 – 10:30 pm. Ticket prices are £5 per adult, £4 per child, however there is a £1 discount for all purchases made in advance. Teams must be between 2 and 8.All proceeds will be distributed amongst the teams. All are welcome!

Chinese New Year meal at Bar and Wok

Many thanks to all who came to the fundraising meal at Bak and Wok in aid of the trip to China in October. It was a really enjoyable night and very well organised by Miss Kimberley and five of the girls going to China. On the night raffle tickets were sold for additional fundraising and the following tickets are the winners:

228 - Mr & Mrs Collinson: box of chocolates

434 - D.Mason: champagne

185 - H.Richards: HMV voucher

234 - T.Toyne: Beauty Treatment Voucher

186 - S.Middleton: Top Shop Voucher

459 - Mrs Kelland: Cineworld Voucher

Congratulations to all the winners, we hope you enjoy your prizes and thank you once again for coming.

Miss Hoskins and the China 08 Team

Alton Towers Trip

As you are probably aware a group of Year 11 & 12 students are currently fundraising to go on a visit to China during October this year. As lead teacher on the visit I have organised a day trip to Alton Towers to help the students with their fundraising. The trip takes place on Sunday 27 th April 2008 and the total cost of the trip is £24 which includes entrance into the park and return coach travel. I am sure that you will agree that this is an excellent price for a trip to Britain’s number one theme park and it should be a fantastic day out.

To participate in the trip please complete and return the slip on the attached letter together with £24 (cheques made payable to Balcarras School) to Mrs J Denyer by Friday 7th March 2008.

Click here to download the letter for the trip.

Miss Hoskins and China 08 Team

Year 8 Trip to Thinktank

On 4th February, the science department took 102 Year 8 students to the Thinktank in Birmingham. On this trip they saw a 3D film on the evolution of reptiles and how their fossils are studied in the present day. This brought the topic to life in a way this type of material is hard to enliven in the classroom.

They also visited a planetarium and had a presentation on the Milky Way, phases of the moon, the mistakes of astrology, the planets, life cycle of stars and many other relevant topics we could not cover easily in lessons.

They also visited galleries on medicine, future science and past inventions.

Kevin Clancy, Science

Careers PSE

On 31st January, 20 local business people, many of whom were parents, ran a 'question time' version of a careers fayre. They represented such careers as politics, fire service, police, nursing, construction, catering, landscape architect, market research, banking, dentistry, surveying, management, journalism, care home management, volunteering, acting/theatre, intelligence gathering, army, health and safety, ICT engineering and starting your own business.

Each room had two to three visitors, who each gave a five-minute talk. The students then asked the visitors the same questions so they could compare and contrast the answers. Each student saw four groups of visitors so were exposed to about ten careers.

We would like to thank all those who gave up their time and if anyone could help on 26th March for our Year11 session: CV's, applications and interviews, please email ktc@balcarras.gloucs.sch.uk

Below are some quotes from students:

"I liked the samples of work people brought in and their enthusiasm."

"I thought she was really interesting, amusing, down to earth and not at all what I had expected. I was surprised at the hours she works but thought she was very passionate about her job."

"She had clearly thought about the session and prepared a great speech."

"I liked to see such a wide range of jobs."

"I would like to hear from a stock broker and a dancer."

"I enjoyed hearing from all the people I saw and I found them all very interesting."

Kevin Clancy, Careers

Gifted & Talented Study Day

On 11 January a group of 15 pupils in Years 10 and 11 travelled to Oxford to attend a Gifted & Talented Study Day delivered by the Richard Huish College. This involved a series of four fast-paced and weighty lectures on Justice and Punishment; History, Art, Culture and Truth; Nanotechnology; The Nature and Reality of Mathematics.

Students enjoyed the day on the whole although they felt it was very intensive and allowed little opportunity for active participation. I suspect they will appreciate the benefits in the long-term when they see that they can apply the skills and knowledge to different learning situations.

Here is what a few of them said about the day:

'This was different to school as it seemed to encourage individuality on a deeper level.'

'The speakers encouraged us to challenge everything and everyone, and to make sure you have a life that you can happily look back on.'

'It was less engaging than school. We didn't have anything to do except sit and listen.'

'I prefer more hands-on teaching.'

'I learned 'that you can dig deeper into subjects and develop knowledge in a different way.'

'I liked the fact that they didn't patronise us.'

'I'm looking forward to the future, having proper conversations.'

The message of the day was 'we do what we can with our lives, but we need to work to achieve our goals.'

Thank you to the pupils for behaving so well on the day. It was intense but quite obviously thought-provoking, and that was the point!

Mrs Williams - Co-ordinator for Gifted & Talented pupils

Chinese New Year

Come to Bar and Wok to celebrate Chinese New Year with Balcarras staff, students, parents and friends on Wednesday 6th February 2008. To raise funds for China 08 there will be a 7 dish banquet (with a vegetarian option) in four courses for £16 per person. The night begins at 7:00pm when cocktails are available to purchase, following this we will be seated and the food will be served at 7:30pm. Tickets are available in advance in 1A5 each break and lunchtime, so bring your friends to what promises to a great night of food and fun.

For more information please contact Miss Hoskins or click here to visit www.barandwok.com.

Annual PTFA Quiz Night

The Annual PTFA Quiz Night - always fiercely contested! - will take place in the main school Hall on Friday 1st February. 7.00pm start. Admission is £2.50 on the door and there will be refreshments and a full bar. Please do come along, put your thinking caps on and have a great time!!

Katie Carter - Chair, PTFA

MFL Computers Free Wednesday Lunchtimes

The Modern Languages Department are offering the use of the computers in 7B4 at lunchtime every Wednesday for anyone wishing to do any activity relating to MFL. So whether it be languages homework, GCSE coursework, a chance to practise some grammar or to play games on language websites, or even to listen to the French, Spanish or Russian news, pupils from all years are welcome to come along.

Engineering in Education Scheme

On 17th December, I took four Year 12 students to UWE in Bristol to do the work shop section of the Engineering Education Scheme they are doing this year. The students who went were Tom Iveson, Ellie Baker, Will Pash and Stephanie Zakaritis. The students applied to join the scheme and were interviewed along with the unsuccessful candidates. Peter Talbolt a local retired engineer was on the panel with Kevin Clancy. The project was in collaboration with GE Aviation. Phil Sumner, one of their engineers, visited the school every Wednesday afternoon to plan the project.

At UWE the students built a prototype real time LED clock built on a spinning arm. To do this they had to learn basic electronics, basic PIC programming and make decisions on a range of options for the design. They were aided by technicians from the university and three engineers from GE. The students made a presentation to the university staff, GE staff and the other schools. They were outstanding at this and will now make a presentation to the managers at GE.

Kevin Clancy

Modern Languages Evening

The languages evening was enjoyed by all. The students performed with great panache and we were very impressed by the enthusiasm of the parents who joined in the singing and were tested on their knowledge of the three languages. ( See the first photo!)

Groups of students performed dialogues to illustrate what they had been studying in class and the sixth-formers acted out an excerpt from the Molière play "Les Fourberies de Scapin". We are very grateful to our language assistants for rehearsing with them and providing the props! (Second photo)

House Music Competition

Balcarras House Music Competition took place on a rainy, dull day but... the concerts given by each of the houses really lit up the hall contrasted to the weather outside. We began with Ottewell, a change from previous year, with the theme of Floods. This was very topical! The'r items ranged from a flashy piano solo from Artica Lai to sketches of characters sitting on a park bench unders their umbrellas. They linked smoothly to each new item and went on to win the competition. Selvey's theme was 'Heaven and Earth' and had some brilliant costumes and very slick presentation. There were accopmlished and engaging solo performacnes from the likes of Judith Lorton as well as rousing, excellently prepared choir items. The presenters for Selvey, Sam and Lucy Weaver, not only did a fantastic job for their house but went on to present the House Music Hightlights COncert on OCtober 16th.

Graveney on the one hand brought colout to the stage with their hippies in their War and Peace themed concert but also on a mroe serious note, made the audience think about the implications of this theme. One of the higlights of the day was the conviction with which this house delivered Frankie Goes To Hollywood's hit 'War'. The choreography of the whole house items was well rehearsed and helped to make this perfomance a memorable one. Foley worked incredibly hard, along with the other house, in their rehearsals. This resulted in a high energy concert lead by Hannah Weedon. Her skills a singer were reflected in the volume and enthusiasm shown by here house choir. Again, some really wonderful soloists and ensemble apeared in this concert who went on to appear in the House Music Highlights.

It was great to see such a lot of people invovled this year and I look forward ot see and hear what next year's competition brings...

Ski Trip to the USA 2009

Click here for information about the 2009 ski-ing trip.

AS Level Trip to London

Sunday 18th -Tuesday 20th November, the ICT and Business department took 36 AS level ICT, Business and Economics students to London for a 3 day educational and residential trip. The trip was a really big success and thoroughly enjoyed by staff and pupils alike.

Over the course of the 3 days we visited Chelsea World of Sport, The BBC TV Studios and Fullers Griffin Brewery. We had a guided tour of each organisation and the students gained valuable insight into how ICT is used in the day to day business operations of each of these companies. The BBC tour allowed the students to be very involved in the tour and learn a lot about the daily operations and different departments within the BBC. Students also had the opportunity to present the weather forecast for the day ahead; read the 6 o'clock news and some even had a quick game of The Weakest link! Not to mention the celebrity spotting in between, as we were give an exclusive tour of some of the recording studios and saw some popular BBC shows in rehearsal.

We also managed to fit in visits to an Apple Mac Store workshop on Regents Street and the historic Victorian landmark of Tower Bridge, and of course a spot of Christmas shopping down Oxford Street!

London Trip Photos

Click here to view Jumping for Joy - an animated photo.

Year 8 History Speaker

As part of the Year 8 history curriculum, we study the origins and battles of the English Civil War. This is of particular interest as some of the most well-known battles of the war actually happened around this area.

We are lucky each year to be able to draw on the knowledge of a local Civil War expert, Mr David Lord.

As always, Mr Lord’s presentations were informative and humorous, and the Year 8s enjoyed being able to try on some of the armour from the era – one breast-plate even has a bullet dent! The behaviour of the students was exemplary – testimony to both their interest in the era and to the engaging nature of our speaker.

Elizabeth Gill - history teacher

MFL lectures at Sir Thomas Rich's

On Wednesday 21st November2007, 12 French AS and A2 students and 10 Spanish students attended lectures at Sir Thomas Rich's language college. The lectures were on the topics of "Le paysage politique en France " (the French political scene) and "El turismo" (tourism). It is hard to imagine how such dull sounding topics could be made so entertaining but they actually were, so not only did we spend an informative and educational afternoon absorbing French and Spanish, but we also had a great time.

MFL Evening Wednesday 28th November

Just a reminder that on 28th November at 7pm in the pavilion there will be an opportunity for parents of year 8 and 9 pupils to have a taste of how language learning has changed since we were on the receiving end!

Come along to see live singing, acting and presentations, video clips of what goes on in lessons and much more. There will also be refreshments and an opportunity to ask teachers and pupils any questions you may have.

We look forward to seeing you, but if you are coming, if you could let us know we would be grateful.

Andrews Estate Agent Sponsorship deal

For each major event in the school year Andrews will sponsor £20 for each Andrews Signboard placed in Charlton Kings gardens displaying the words "Andrews supports Balcarras events". Beth Hayes, Miles Ward and Fran Board received a cheque for £180 from Clare Barker, Manager of the local Andrews branch, on November 8th following their sponsorship of the Midsummer Music event.

Careers Fair - Great Success

The careers fayre was a great success, attended by large numbers of pupils in Years 9-13 and a very wide range of exhibitors drawn from local companies, local political figures, colleges of further education and, most importantly, the parents of pupils. This latter group was able to provide valuable first hand representation in such areas as logistics, medicine, market research, geology, landscape architecture, surveying, mechanical engineering, dentistry and many more.

Next year we hope to include greater representation from the world of art and design and other areas such as law, nursing, paramedics, architecture and the police.

Mr K Clancy - Head of Careers

Expedition 2009 - Tanzania, Mongolia and Costa Rica!

The destinations and teams have now been decided for 2009. 75 students and 11 staff have signed up to create 4 teams. The destinatins are 2 teams to Tanzania (hoping to attempt to climb Mt Kilimanjaro!). 1 team to Costa Rica and 1 to Mongolia. We are now using a company called 'Outlook Expeditions' to facilitate the expedition instead of 'World Challenge' who have been the provider for the last 3 trips.

Everyone is very excited, the expedition will involve a trek, a conservation or community project and then some well earned R and R.

We hope that we can count on your support for the fundraising inititavies over the next 18 months!

Miss Hunt - Head of geography

Year 10 geography day

100 year 10 geographers enjoyed an educational day last wednesday in Bristol.

We studied a variety of urban zones such as the CBD and inner city and saw some of the new regeneration projects in bristol.

We also learnt how to collect geographical data using techniques such as questionnaires and land use surveys.

Miss Hunt - Head of geography

Charities 2007

Characteristically an altruistic vein of generosity again coursed through Balcarras School when it came to raising money. Parents, pupils and staff, collectively, helped to support many needy causes. Not least was the £3000 to 'Make a Wish' a charity that helps sick children fulfil a dream. A cheque for £3000 was also presented at the Christmas assembly, to Send a Cow, an organisation that funds projects in Africa, in a practical way.

Operation Christmas Child, organized by Miss Hoskins and Mrs. Atkins is an annual success with 150 shoeboxes sent off last year. A cake sale for Macmillan nurses again raised the considerable sum of £300 plus, while the Poppy day and Red Cross collections were to the fore. The children's bereavement support group, Winston's Wish also received £500, courtesy of Ottewell House fundraising whose pupils are also taking on Motor Neurone disease.

This year we are proud to support the fundraising campaign for the Cobalt unit in Thirlestaine Rd., Cheltenham. The new unit will include equipment for the diagnosis of both breast and prostate cancer, with funding for cancer research.

Our students have also voted for the International Children's' Charity, that supports abused children throughout the Third World, who suffer in horrendous conditions.

Throughout the year, the Houses continue to fund-raise for many other good causes while staff raised £123 on the 'Wear Pink' breast cancer day. Not to be outdone, several of our male members of staff are sporting a variety of beards and moustaches- all in aid of prostate cancer. We are surely a caring school!

Mrs M. Flood (Charity co-ordinator)

Children in Need Dance Show

Balcarras School recently held a dance show in aid of Children in Need.

Click here for a video clip from the show.

Puzzle Challenge Day

On 15 October we held our first Puzzle Challenge Day funded by a grant from the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust. All 178 pupils from Years 7 to 11 got very involved in the activities and seemed to enjoy their hour away from the classroom. This is what two Year 9 pupils (Charlotte Annan and David Aslan from 9G2) had to say about it.

'The puzzle day at Balcarras was challenging. It made us think hard and work well in a team. We were in teams of about six and we had to complete puzzles like building a road with no dead ends with 20 puzzle pieces. It sounds easy, but there are thousands of solutions! We also had to balance penguins on a moving iceberg. Through trial and error we realised that the best strategy was to counter-balance each penguin. A really interesting end to the session was the optical illusion of the skin on your hand stretching and contracting. We really enjoyed this opportunity as it was very 'hands-on' and there was no writing!'

Thanks to all the pupils who took part for making it so enjoyable. The leader commented on their unflagging enthusiasm, persistence and good behaviour.

Catherine Williams Gifted & Talented Co-ordinator

Puzzle Day Photos

Bag 2 School

Bag2School is interested in collecting quality second hand ladies', men's and children`s clothing, as well as bedding, curtains, soft toys, shoes, belts and handbags.

All items are for RE-USE. No Bric a Brac Please

Please fill a bin liner with the above and return to Balcarras School by: 9.15am on Monday 19th November 2007.

The more we weigh, the more they pay! Thank you.

Balcarras School PTFA Committee

Netball Trip

The girls PE department took 30 girls to watch a Superleague Netball match at Bath University on Monday 5th November. The Netball Superleague is a National Elite competition which features England's entire squad players. We took the girls to watch Team Bath V Brunel Hurricanes. Team Bath are the 2007 Superleague champions for the second year running. Both teams were without their International players due to the World Netball Championships taking place in New Zealand. It was a very successful match Team Bath marginally winning 36 - 33. We hope to run another trip in the future to watch further International cup matches.

Miss Clemow - PE Department

Support your School Expeditions

My name is Vicky Atkins and I am a year 11 pupil who is lucky enough to be going on an expedition to Costa Rica with the school in 2009, each pupil going has to raise at least £3500 for the trip.

Seeing the preparations for the forthcoming Sound of Music production gave me the idea of running a raffle to win a week in our house in Austria which is not too far from Salzburg giving you the chance to visit the original locations. The house is a 4 bedroom/4 bathroom which sleeps 8 in a beautiful area with lots to do. To get more information on the house, you can visit this website:www.interhome.co.uk and using reference A5731/150 in the quick search option.

The week can be taken anytime from April to November next year subject to availability. Tickets are £5 each and the winner will be announced on the last night of the Sound of Music.

If you would like to buy a ticket or would like any more information please contact me Vicky Atkins 11F2 phone 518996. Thank you.

Careers Fair

Careers fair for years 9 -13 is taking place at the school next Thursday 15th. We have many speakers coming in and it promises to be a very informative and useful evening for all those who attend.

Mr Clancy, Head of Careers

Operation Christmas Child

Staff and pupils have again supported this fantastic charity and on Friday 2nd November 75 boxes were collected to be taken to the Ukraine, Serbia and Kazakstan. This is an excellent charity and the stories of children in these countries receiving a present will soften anyone's heart! Operation Christmas Child is part of the Samaritans's Purse charity which is a Christian organisation which works in the poorest and war torn countries around the world throughout the year.

Thank you for your support.

Miss Hoskins and Mrs Atkin

Prize Giving

Thursday October 18th, once again a great evening in the school calendar as we celebrated the achievements of well over one hundred students. The Hall was packed and saw students from Years 8 to 13 presented with books and trophies rewarding them for fantastic effort and successes in 2006-7. There were musical items from Sarah Connolly and Isobel Adams, together with presentations from students involved in Duke of Edinburgh (there were eleven gold awards last year), the World Challenge teams who travelled to India in July and August and a witty review of the year from the eight House Captains.

The head paid tribute to the dedicated teaching staff and support of the parents and highlighted this year as one in which results were incredibly strong across all age groups, with the record average points score at A level being particularly significant. He added that beyond the classroom, our students have a wealth of opportunities and involve themselves in the life of the school in so many different ways.

In her address, the guest of honour Mrs Marie-Noelle Barton who is the former director of WISE (Women Into Science and Engineering) entertained the audience with amusing stories and anecdotes, but also inspired the listening pupils - they had to be proud of everything that they had achieved. She remarked that when she first arrived in England from France over 30 years ago, the English played down their achievements; things have moved on considerably since then and fortunately, her visit came just after England's victory over France in the rugby World Cup semi final! It was a wonderful evening of celebration - well done to all of the students involved.

Careers in Science Talks

The Science Department were please to welcome Mrs Marie Noelle Barton MBE, our speaker for Prize Giving this year, to talk to our upper school students about careers in Science and Engineering. As well as meeting our A level Physics students, Mrs Barton spoke to some of our Year 11 girls and met with the Engineering Group, run by Mr Clancy. It was a very interesting morning and we forged a number of useful links for the future.

Miss Foster

Bingo!

To raise money for China 2008 there is a Bingo night in the school hall on Friday 9th November 2007. The doors open at 7pm with the first game commencing at 7:30pm. Tickets are £5 for 10 games and there will be cash prizes to be won. Also on the night there will be live music and refreshments available for sale from a fully licensed bar. Please come along and join us for an enjoyable evening of entertainment. Tickets can be purchased from Miss Hoskins in 1A5 from Monday 5th November 2007 and they are also available for purchase on the night.

Miss Hoskins - China 2008 Team Leader

Iceland Geography Trip

Over half term 32 Year 12 and 13 geographers accompanied by Miss Hunt, Miss Niblett, Mr Jackson and Mr Perry spent 5 days in chilly iceland. The wet weather conspired against us to be the worst in Iceland in 14 years, howver, it did not dampen our spirits!

Within an hour of getting off the plane we were in the Blue Lagoon - a steamy hot swimming pool where we covered our faces in a natural silica face mask. We spent the first night in Rekjavik and then headed off the next day on our tour. We visited a geothermal power plant, the mid-atlantic ridge, watherfalls, geysirs, lava fields, crater lakes an ice lake, glacier snouts and the trip was topped off by a trip up onto the glacier in the snowbus where we had a fantastic snowfight. Miss Niblett and Miss Hunt defintely came off worst!

An amazing experience was had by all - roll on the next trip!

Iceland Trip Photos

Year 7 geographers look at sustainability

The geography department ran a special day for year 7 on 9th October to look at sustainability. The pupils considered their own impact on the planet by completing an 'ecological footprint' survey. Many were shocked to find that if all 6 billion people on the planet lived the way they do, we would need about 3 planet earths on which to survive! We continued this theme by conducting surveys around the school to find examples of good efficient use of energy and recycling.

All pupils later walked to the village of Charlton Kings and conducted questionnaires. Members of the public were asked their use of resources and lifestyle. Follow up work has seen the pupils producing powerpoints, posters and letters to Mr Healy with suggestions as to how individuals and the school as a whole could become more environmentally friendly.

It was a very successful day and year 7 pupils are now much more aware of how their actions can have global impacts. Well done year 7!

Mrs Hadfield

Year 12 Rivers trip to Ashes Hollow in Shropshire

On Monday 15th October 40 year 12 geographers, Miss Hunt, Mr Pearce, Miss Niblett and Mrs Coletta went on a trip study a river in Little Stretton, Shropshire. The purpose of the day was to see the features of a river in real life and to learn techniques for measuring them. Great fun was had by all -the weather stayed mostly sunny and although the journey there was 2 hours long it was great to get out and bond as a group of geographers and see geography in action is the most important element of A-level geography.

Sponsored Walk

After a studious start of term, the annual sponsored walk once again got everyone moving. Luckily, we were blessed with sun, having been cursed by clouds and rain during the 2006 event. The more athletic students (and teachers) ran the course, with the more laid back ambling through the sunshine at their own pace. Whatever their speed, the day was enjoyed by everyone and will raise much needed money for local and national charity projects. Thanks to Mrs Moore and to Mr Perry, who ensured the day ran like clock-work.

Sponsored Walk Photos

Symonds Yat Team Building

On Sunday 7th of October the newly formed year 12 Young Enterprise team went to Symonds Yat for a team building day on the river. We went down the river Wye in pairs, each in a Canadian Canoe. The river was really beautiful, but the water was freezing! We stopped for lunch after a couple of tiring hours, Lloyd and Ryan having already capsized! We continued down the river encountering some rapids which Alicia, being so 'outdoorsy', found easy!

Finally after an exhausting few hours we were taken down some fast rapids where Lloyd and Ryan fell in again. We dragged our boats up the rapids and paddled back up stream. We had a great day and would like to thank Mr Waterhouse for organising it, and doing the whole team a favour by capsizing Alicia!!

David Beckham Football Academy

On Sept 14th, and all because of a prize draw, Balcarras year 8 students were lucky enough to have 6 coaches from the David Beckham Football Academy come from London and spend the whole day in school. Everybody was involved; girls, boys, experts and novices and everyone had a great time. It goes without saying that the football fanatics in year 8 would love this opportunity, but it was lovely to hear the children who were a little uncertain too begin with say how they had enjoyed themselves and wanted the coaches to come back again!

Beckham Football Photos

James Cooke - Young Ambassador for Sport

Pentathlete, James Cooke yr 12, has been selected to be one of 2 Young Ambassadors for Sport for the Cheltenham Sport Partnership. Here he is getting Jo Fenn's autograph at the Young Ambassaor's Conference at Bristol City FC. Jo shared her experiences with the delegates, of being a competitor (800m) at the Athens Olympics in 2004.

Balcarras Fantasy Football League

Balcarras launches its fantasy football league again this year. There are many statistical calculations hidden away in the game of football, and the skills in estimating the best line-up based on past performance data, and future probability calculations can be complex and involved.

The league has divisions for students, staff, and parents connected with Balcarras, as well as an overall league that pits the wiles of "savy" football connoisseurs against each other. Most of all, let's see if we can beat some of the other schools entering this year!

Entry costs are only £3.50, and there are prizes for the various divisions and categories, including a very shiny "trophy". Please ask your (child's) Maths teacher for an entry form. Good luck!

Mr Larcombe, Head of Mathematics

Young Engineer for Britain Winner

At the National final of the 'Young Engineer for Britain' competition, Joanna Fry won the prize for 'Design and Innovation' with her AS Product Design project. She received £400 and a specially designed trophy, with the Design &Technology department also collecting a cheque for £400.

The event was held at the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich on Monday 17th September. She received her prize from Andy Green, the RAF pilot who was at the wheel of the Trust SSC jet powered car which holds the land speed record of 766.109 mph.

J. Draisey Head of Design and Technology

Year 12 Team Building Day

At the beginning of term, the new entrants into Balcarras sixth form were treated to an afternoon of team building activities, specially designed to help the sixth formers get to know each other whilst developing their team working skills, and having a little bit of fun at the same time. Click on the link below to see the photographs...

Team Building Photos

Homestay Trip to France

At the end of the summer term forty year 9 and 10 students spent a week in France. They were all based in French families in Reims and so had a taste both of French cuisine and French family life. It was a great chance to practise their speaking skills!

The group had a variety of experiences. There was a guided visit of the cathedral in Reims (that was our bit of culture) and later on a visit to champagne house (but the students were not allowed a taste….sorry about that!

During our day in Paris we went up the Eiffel Tower, down the Champs Élysées and along the river in a Batobus. Some students also went on the big wheel, France's answer to the London Eye! The last day was spent in Disneyland and you can see from the photos that a good time was had by all.

Mrs Thomas

Homestay French Trip Photos