Newsletter Date - Friday 25th May 2012

Specialist Sports & Science College A National Teaching School

RUSHEY MEAD SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

LUNCHTIME ARRANGEMENTS
Thank you to all parents and carers who took the time to respond to our survey about a change to lunchtime arrangements from next academic year. The response was overwhelmingly in favour of keeping all students on site for lunchtime, with 76% of respondents in favour of this change. A number of important points were raised and we are addressing each to make sure the needs of students are met every day. These include : - An improved menu with a wider range of choice and balanced meals, including daily vegetarian and curry options, a better selection of sandwiches, salads and baked potato fillings. - New arrangements for prayers for Muslim students, available in all lunch sittings during the winter months. - Effective arrangements for students during lunchtimes when the weather is poor. The governors have been consulted about the proposed change to lunchtimes and the resultant earlier finish to the school day at 2.55pm and are in agreement with the plans. The local authority have also been contacted. We will therefore be implementing our changed lunchtimes from next academic year, beginning in August, with all students in all year groups remaining on site for lunch and the school day finishing at 2.55pm. Many thanks to all families for their continued support of Rushey Mead at this exciting time as we move into the new school.

SCHOOL CLOSURE DATES : REMINDER

This is the last newsletter before we move into the new school. Below is a final reminder of the arrangements for the move. School will be closed to students on the days listed below, with the exception of those sitting GCSE exams. GCSE examinations will continue to be held in the old A Block Hall, Dining Rooms and Gym even after the half term. The new school will be open to all years from Monday 18th June although Year 10 students will still be on work experience and Year 11 GCSE exams will be held in the old school. School ends for Years 7-10 at 12:10pm. 30/05/12 Science Exam for Year 11 students (pm) School closed to all students School closed to all students Half term School closed to all students except for Maths exam (Year 11). School closed to all students except for History exam (Year 11). Year 9 only in school for induction day. Year 7 and 8 students at home. Year 11 students attend for their exams. Year 8 only in school for induction day. Years 7 and 9 at home. Year 11 students attend for their exams. Year 7 in school for induction day. Year 10 in school for induction day and Science exam, instead of work experience. Years 8 and 9 at home. Year 11 students attend for their exams.

THE BIG DANCE GUINNESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT

On Friday 18th May Year 10 BTEC Dance students participated in The Big Dance Schools Pledge world record attempt on Humberstone Gate in Leicester. They were joined by students from other schools all around Leicester and Leicestershire setting out to beat the world record for people performing the same dance routine at the same time in multiple venues across the world. The event coincided with the arrival of the Olympic torch to the UK and the dance routine was based upon a variety of Olympic events to promote the Olympics and the Olympic values. In the run up to the event BBC Radio Leicester visited Rushey Mead School and interviewed our BTEC Dance students about the event and their rehearsal process and after the event The Leicester Mercury talked to our students about how they felt about being part of such an amazing event. "It's a once in a lifetime's chance to be part of a world record attempt." Mehreen Omar It was so much fun, I loved it Gayatri Mistry

31/05/12 01/06/12 04 - 08/06/12 11/06/12 12/06/12 13/06/12

14/06/12

15/06/12

PEARLS OF WISDOM
"Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity." Louis Pasteur

KEEP HYDRATED
It is important for students to keep hydrated and to drink plenty of water. Students are not allowed out of lessons to get water so please encourage your child to bring a bottle with them which they can top up at break and lunch times from the water fountains around the school.

LETS DANCE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL LEICESTER

On Wednesday 16th May a selection of students from Years 8,9 and 10 interested in dance visited the Guildhall to watch Sharmini Tharmarathans dance piece Agua de Roses. The dance piece fused a number of different styles together including Kathak, Flamenco and Contemporary dance. The dance piece was part of the Lets Dance International Festival Leicester which is running until Sunday 27th May and is part of the Cultural Olympiad. This was a fantastic opportunity for the students to experience live cultural dance in the city and to enhance their understanding of various dance styles in preparation for the BTEC Dance course.

YEAR 10 & 11 GIRLS THINKING OF GOING ON TO MEDICAL SCHOOL?

Leicester High School for Girls on Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th July is running an event for medical school hopefuls. It's aimed at students in Years 10 and11 who are thinking of studying medicine and will cover everything from personal statements and work experience to interviews and ethical discussions. It will cost 80 for both days with lunch provided. For more information and to sign up please visit the following website - www.memedec.com

EARLY MORNING CRICKET COACHING

20 Year 7 students have been receiving intensive quality Cricket Coaching on Friday mornings 7.00am to 8.15am. The sessions have been delivered by a Level 3 coach who coaches at Leicestershire County Cricket Club. Students have been extremely committed and really enjoyed this wonderful opportunity even if it means waking up much earlier than usual!

NEW TELEPHONE SYSTEM

We are keeping the same telephone number in our new school but it will be a completely new telephone system. We do not anticipate any problems but if you do experience any difficulties and cannot get through on the main switchboard please send an e-mail to info@rusheymead-sec.leicester.sch.uk Year 10 parents and students who have any specific work experience queries or concerns should ring the work experience mobile number; the number has already been issued to students.

VICTORY OVER SOAR VALLEY

The Year 7 boys cricket team produced a magnificent victory against local rivals Soar Valley on Tuesday winning by 9 wickets with 8 overs to spare. The home side won the toss and chose to bat first. Bowlers Mikesh Kansagra and Manav Pancholi grabbed 3 wickets each to put Rushey in a strong position, requiring only 42 runs to win. Rushey showed their composure when asked to bat sensibly, with Manav Pancholi and Devan Patel playing some superb cricket. Rushey batted well grabbing singles and showing excellent running between the wickets. After the loss of Devan, Akshay Patel came in and batted through with Manav to reach the total required in only 8 overs. This was an excellent team performance with Manav Pancholi winning Man of the Match with 3 wickets and 13 runs not out.

NEW CASHLESS CATERING SYSTEM

In the new school we will be using a brand new cashless catering system and there may be a delay in transferring balances from the old system to the new system. To avoid any problems we suggest that on the first day back in the new school pupils who require a school dinner should bring sufficient cash to charge up their new cards. They will have an opportunity to do this during the induction process.

MASTERCHEF COMPETITION
The Rushey Mead Masterchef competition returned this term for its fifth year, but this time with a difference. With the new title Rushey Mead Masterchef The Partnership, students paired up with a partner of their choice and were expected to plan and cook a two course meal of their choice within 1 hour and 15 minutes. A record breaking 82 students took part and produced the highest quality cookery Rushey Mead has seen for many years. 22 students made it through to the semi final leading to the grand final on Thursday May 24 th. Massive congratulations to the students who made it through to the final Shimran Valand and Anita Manojkumar (Year 8), Maya Chauhan and Deepali Parjiea (Year 10). But the biggest well done goes to the pair who now hold the title of Rushey Mead Masterchefs 2012 Lasya Nair and Mira Patel (Year 10) who took their inspiration from Jamie Oliver and James Martin with Piri Piri chicken with a rocket, watercress and pancetta salad accompanied by a Macadamia nut cake with a Heston Blumenthal surprise in the middle popping candy! Mr Rule is proud of all students who took part; once again students amazed all judges with their high quality cooking.

DVDs FOR SALE

Following on from the reunion day which took place in March we still have some DVDs for sale. The DVDs feature pictures of the school and its students dating back to the 70s! If you would like to purchase a DVD you can buy one from the school reception for 5.00. The DVDs will be on sale from 8.00am to 4.00pm until Friday 1st June 2012.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

MOVE INTO THE NEW SCHOOL!