Headteacher's Corner
Dear Parents/Carers
This has been a very significant week. Whilst the national news media have been full of stories about the decisions regarding schools reopening, here in school we have been busy on a number of fronts. Firstly, the centre-assessed grades for year 11 have been submitted to the exam boards this week. I have been so very impressed by the rigour and integrity shown by the year 11 teachers in reaching these professional judgements. We know how much these grades mean to students; we have felt the gravity of every decision. Secondly, we have been making preparations for welcoming our year 10 students into school for some contact time with their teachers before they themselves enter their final year. School will look very different to them; this is by no means a return to school as normal. Nonetheless, we can’t wait to welcome them in next week.
We continue to be thoroughly impressed by so much of the home learning that is being undertaken by students across all year groups. The examples included below, as well as the weekly #FlourishingAtFrogmore badge winners, show the excellence that is being achieved in challenging circumstances. We know it’s not easy at all for the students to be doing this at home, and parents are sometimes having to manage competing priorities. However, we want to let everyone know how delighted we are with the collective effort. Everyone is doing the best they can in their own circumstances, and this is all anyone can ask.
It is now clear that there will be no wider opening of the school before the summer. We are, of course, deeply saddened by this. However, the public health imperative must rightly remain at the heart of all decisions made. Please be assured that we will continue to do all we can to support our students and to plan carefully for their eventual return. It will be a truly joyous occasion when we can see the corridors bustling once more.
The performing arts department is looking to get everyone involved in a Flash Mob. Do check out the video below to get some inspiration…! We would love as many members of our school community to get involved and learn the dance ready to join in a virtual Flash Mob on 29th June.
I will keep it short this time. Mainly because I hope that you will read the beautiful letter from lockdown included below, written by one of our students. Its honesty and powerful closing image is simply perfect.
Take care.
Chris Vaudin - Headteacher
Frogmore's Virtual Flashmob
One of the first things that came to mind when faced with distance was the creation of unity and connection.
With this in mind Frogmore would like to hold its very own virtual flashmob.
This will involve all students performing a piece of choreography simultaneously on Monday 29th June.
In preparation, staff have been working hard on their own rendition of the performance and would like to share this with you.
In order to rehearse and prepare for the performance, each section of the dance will be available on ShowMyHomeWork to learn and follow.
We may not be able to physically be in the same place but we can all come together at the same time!
We look forward to your participation as the Frogmore family comes together once more.
Excellent Examples Of Student Home Learning
Science
Art Year 10
English Year 7
The importance of set design
I feel that truth and clarity aren’t in the forest or Athens because they aren’t in the story anywhere!!!
In preparation for their devised pieces, year 10 have been exploring the influences of different styles and theatre practitioners on the presentation of performance. This week they have been learning about physical theatre and have watched examples of professional theatre companies take on this style with their own creative approach.
In addition, we would like to congratulate Luke Lunn who also auditioned successfully for the National Youth Theatre. A great achievement to have two of our GCSE students exploring and developing their theatrical skills further in the industry.
Fundraising Achievement by a Student for Buddy, our Assistance Puppy
Rajan Preece decided to do kayaking for 26km over 2 days with an overall distance of 28.35km. His first day took 1 hour 58 mins and his second day 3 hours 11 mins.
This is a wonderful achievement, one we all knew Rajan could undertake due to his determined nature. Well done Rajan and thank you from all at Frogmore and Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs.
Please click on the button below to visit Rajan's Just Giving page:
Message from the Child and Family Support Worker
The Importance of Sleep
Being apart from each other and out of normal routine has been challenging for many of our students, and their parents and carers too. Routines are important for all people and it can be really helpful for us to be doing similar things at stages in the day to help us feel in control and confident in what we're doing, as well as helping us to keep on top of things and achieve our goals. One area of our daily routine which is often overlooked or minimised in terms of importance is our sleep. Sleep is vital for our physical and mental well being and insufficient or poor sleep patterns can have a dramatic impact on how we feel and function in our daily lives. Please take a moment to read the attachment here with some tips included on how to promote good sleep habits and overall well being.
Food Bank
We are still taking donations for the food bank, which you can drop off on the trolley outside the main reception doors.
Thank you so much to all those of you who have donated so generously already. It's really been so positive for our Frogmore family to come together in support of our local community in this way.
The current shortages are:
- Jams and marmalades
- Canned fruit
- Soap
- Tinned potatoes
- Deodorant
- Washing up liquid
Please remember all items need to be long-life or packaged goods rather than fresh food.
Library News
Reading Resources in Lockdown
Strange as this period is, what a fantastic opportunity to engage your child in reading! There are lots of resources available online. Have a look at some of the following:
Tom Palmer.co.uk – daily videos of Tom reading from one of his books, plus free first chapters from his books.
Jkrowling.com – celebrities reading chapters from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Daniel Radcliffe, Stephen Fry, David Beckham, Dakota Fanning and Eddie Redmayne are amongst the cast of narrators, with more surprises and special appearances to come. Each will be reading different sections of the book, with its themes of family, friendship, courage and overcoming adversity.
J K Rowling has been writing a new book called The Ickabog and is publishing it online in instalments which is very exciting! Plus there is an amazing competition where there is a chance for your child’s illustration to be featured in the new book. (for ages 7 to 12)
To view click on the link below:
https://theickabogcompetition.com/
A new instalment of the story and illustration themes to go with it will be revealed daily, Monday to Friday, throughout the course of the seven weeks, so do stay tuned.
34 winning illustrations will be selected to bring the serialised story to the printed page when it is published in full, which is intended for November 2020.
If you are one of the lucky winners, you will also receive a copy of the published book signed by the author herself. But that’s not all. The winner will also receive £500 worth of Hachette children’s books for a school or public library of your choice. Entries are now open, and the competition will close at 6pm on Friday 17th July 2020.
The Penguin Platform YouTube channel has a wide range of videos to appeal to all ages; some current relevant ones include At Home with Tim Peake, In Conversation with Stormzy and How to become an Illustrator.
Josh Gad who voiced Olaf the snowman in the Frozen movies has set up a feed on Twitter where he reads or acts a nightly bedtime story. Probably better for younger children but definitely entertaining!
Careers Corner
Our careers adviser Christine Mirtle is offering guidance appointments by phone or email. The appointments are for 50 minutes, and are bookable for every Wednesday. If you’d like an appointment, please email a.livingstone@frogmorecollege.co.uk with your name, preferred contact method (email addresses must be your school address), and whether you’d like a morning or afternoon slot and an appointment will be scheduled in for you.
Please click on the buttons below to read more interesting information on careers from our website, or to follow Frogmore Careers and Frogmore Library on Twitter:
Fundraising News
Easyfundraising: Did you know you could be raising a free donation for Frogmore Community College every time you shop at retailers such as Amazon, John Lewis and Sainsbury's who will donate a percentage of the amount you spend? It's really simple, and it doesn't cost you anything!
Please sign up and help us raise money for our students.
All you have to do is:
1. Go to http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/frogmorecomcoll
2. Sign up for free.
3. Get shopping! Donations will be collected and automatically sent to us. It couldn't be easier! There are no catches or hidden charges and we would be really grateful for your donations. Thanks for your support.
Please don't forget our Rag Bag is still open, we are continuing to collect textiles in our recycling bank in the car park opposite the leisure centre. This is a great way to raise money for the college, with minimal effort. Please donate your bagged clothes, paired shoes, hats, bags, belts, towels and bed linen in the recycling bank. Thank you.
Credits:
Created with an image by Unknown - "Black And White Photo Of Clocks · Free Stock Photo"