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A message from Mrs Clinton...
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26 Oct 2023
Dear Parents/Carers,
As we come to the end of our first term this year, I would like to thank all students for their hard work and commitment to school life at Barnwood.
It has been a busy second half to the term. We held a very successful Open Day and Open Evening – our Head Students, P...
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At Barnwood Park we aim to fully develop each student both academically and personally. In doing so, we also prepare our students for life after school and into the future. Attendance at school is a legal requirement and a crucial aspect in preparing for the future. As parents, we need your help and support to ensure your child reaches their full potential. To report a student absence, please call 01452 530389, press 1 or email attendance@barnwood-park.gloucs.sch.uk
Does Attendance Really Matter? 1 or 2 days a week may not seem like a lot but…
What does Good School Attendance look like?
We take school absences very seriously. We identify students whose attendance drops below 96% and provide support and intervention to help improve this. It is important for parents/carers to work together with the school when a student is regularly absent.
Progress & Achievement
A student’s attendance will directly affect their achievement in school. Evidence shows that a student’s progress and attainment is affected if their attendance falls below 90% and statistics show that if students miss just 17 days (34 sessions) of school, their GCSE attainment is likely to drop by an entire grade.
Expectations
Providing Reasons for Absence - May we remind you that when phoning or emailing in for a student who is off school, we require an actual reason for the absence. If they attend and are too unwell to remain in school, then they will be seen by the First Aider who will contact you.
Medical Appointments - If your child has an urgent appointment that cannot be taken out of school hours, they are still required to be in school both before and after the appointment where possible.
Punctuality
Lateness
Making sure your child is at school and ready to learn, before the school bell rings, is key to ensuring they don't miss out on important learning. We therefore expect students to arrive at school by 8.30am. Registration takes place in form rooms at 8.40am. Students arriving between 8.40 - 9.05am will need to go to the canteen to sign in as late (L code) and their reason for lateness will be recorded. A 20 minute after-school detention will be set as a consequence, unless there is a good reason or medical evidence to support this.
Students arriving after 9.05am will need to go to the main office and will be recorded as unauthorised late (U code). A 40 minute after-school detention will be set as a consequence.
We understand that school mornings can be hectic, but...
Did you know? Being 15 minutes late each day is the same as missing two weeks of school!
See our minutes lost calculator below to find out how much school you miss each year if you are late each day:
LOST MINUTES = LOST LEARNING
If you require any support with attendance concerns, please contact the Attendance Team at the earliest opportunity so that together we can support you and your child.
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Firstly, a huge thank you to all of the students who arrive to school wearing correct uniform and represent the school in such a positive light each and every day.
Moving forward, we want to make sure that all students are wearing the Barnwood uniform with pride.
Please can you take a look at the uniform expectations and images detailed below. May I take this opportunity to remind you that grey skirts should be pleated and blazers should be worn around school. I would also like to remind you that it is an expectation for students to wear school shoes. I know that in the past, trainers have been permitted, but this is something we intend to phase out. We want our students to look smart and professional. To this end, we are requesting that all students are wearing black school shoes, as per the uniform expectations, by the time we return to school after half term in February. We have given this time frame to ensure parents/carers have enough time to purchase new shoes, if required. If trainers were purchased for September instead of shoes, your child will still be able to use these in their PE lessons. After February half term, if students arrive to school in trainers, they will be expected to loan a pair of shoes from school.
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Teaching staff have been focussing on key words in all lessons. Ensuring students understand key words is vital to ensure that all students make progress and experience success in their learning. In lessons, teachers are modelling building vocabulary with students using the Golden Triangle approach. Students are supported to read, say, repeat and use the key words of the lesson in their learning.
We have also been looking at ways to support students in their thinking and developing their approach to their learning through the introduction of Thinking Frames. Thinking Frames are a visual way of encouraging students to retrieve and state what they know about a concept or topic. The frames can then be used to scaffold and support students in lessons, encouraging them to apply their knowledge and understanding as well as building confidence over time, supporting the journey to GCSE.
We are also developing our approach to homework across KS3 and KS4. Homework is set via Edulink and plays a vital part in our approach to teaching & learning. Homework is set regularly based on one of the following four criteria:
1. Consolidate and/or extend learning in lessons including key word based activities
2. Exam style questions/practise/coursework
3. Preparation for an assessment – a revision activity
4. Flipped learning – preparing something to inform a lesson/activity
Please use Edulink to see what homework your child has been set and encourage them to complete the tasks. This helps teachers to know what further support your child might need and to assess where they are in terms of their learning and informs lesson planning. If your child is unsure of what to do, encourage them to message their teacher via Edulink or to speak to them in school. You can guide and support your child in their learning by using the learning links on the school website https://www.barnwood-park.gloucs.sch.uk/learning-links.
Mrs Rayfield and Miss Jenkins
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As part of our charity work at Barnwood Park we recently asked the students which charities they would like to support. As part of our House system students have chosen to support the following charities:
Jenner (Red) have chosen Teenage Cancer Trust
Attenborough (Blue) have chosen Hollie Gazzard Trust
Parks (Yellow) have chosen Wouldn't Change a Thing
Throughout the year there will be different opportunities to raise money and the three selected charities will benefit from any funds raised.
Charity Fundraising - Danceathon
Ellie-May Harris (Y8) and Imogen Pullen (Y11) participated in a remarkable 20-hour Danceathon to raise funds for the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust and support a fellow gymnast at Gloucester Gymnastics Club who is currently undergoing treatment for Leukemia.
The Danceathon, which spanned a full 20 hours (from 3pm Saturday to 11am Sunday), was a true testament to the strength and resilience of the gymnasts. It was a powerful display of unity and compassion as gymnasts, coaches, and parents danced tirelessly, showing their support for their beloved gymnast in her battle against Leukemia.
Not only did this event raise over £2000 for the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, but it also served as a source of emotional strength and encouragement for their gymnast, Daisy. The knowledge that her friends were rallying behind her undoubtedly bolstered her spirits during her challenging journey.
Well done to Ellie-May, Imogen and all the other gymnasts who participated over the weekend.
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Students of the Term - Well done!
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Year 7 - Bryony Mann
Excellent start to Y7. Polite and hard working. Delivered a speech to parents at open evening and contributed to form group's charity bake off.
Year 8 - Alfie Symonds
For consistently following all school expectations, his resilience, being exceptionally hard working and conscientious with 100% attendance and is a credit to the school.
Year 9 - Bogdan Vlad
Excellent effort in all areas of his school life. Hardworking in lessons and good attendance.
Year 10 - Izzy Lovesey
A really good start to Y10. Much improved attendance and good attitude to school and learning. Izzy is really focussed in her lessons and is doing really well. Well done Izzy keep up the good work.
Year 11 - Kamsiy Anozie
Always in school, on time, excellent uniform and exceptional manners. Brilliant attitude for learning.
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Latest News
Check out our school Facebook and Instagram page for more photos and regular updates.
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 | 23 Oct 2023 Last week each year group had the opportunity to talk first hand to over 30 local employers, colleges, universities and schools. The students thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and it was lovely to speak with some Barnwood Park leavers who were able to share their next step after Year 11... |
 | 18 Oct 2023 We were really impressed with all the entries for the “Grantham Art Prize” and the Christmas Card competition hosted by Richard Graham MP for Gloucester. We wish all the students that submitted entries for the “Grantham Art Prize” the very best of luck!We are delighted to... |
 | 16 Oct 2023 As part of their Critical Research Project, year 11 students attended an event at Cheltenham Literature Festival that discussed the possible outcome of next year's general election. Hosted by Times Radio, Which Election Year is it? was an opportunity for students to listen to conversat... |
 | 05 Oct 2023 Well done to Year 7 who ran a student led bake sale on Friday to raise money for Macmillan. There were also competitions and a staff raffle. Total amount raised was £389.65!A big thanks to Miss Porter and Mrs Griffin who helped organise it and all the other staff involved. |
 | 03 Oct 2023 It was our privilege to be the only school who took part in the Threads exhibition by Voices of Gloucester. The coat was created following on from Jo Teague's workshop with students before the summer break.The coat is currently on display in the Lady Chapel at Gloucester Cathedral and has ov... |
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Lost Property has now moved to the Sports Hall.
If you have misplaced anything, check outside of the PE office on the hanging rail. At the end of each term, unclaimed and unnamed items will be donated to charity.
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Edulink - download and sign up to the Edulink app to get important messages and updates.
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Barnwood Young Writers
It has been a fantastic start to the year for Barnwood Young Writers and such a pleasure to see so many new members. We have been working on poetry over the last few weeks and have produced some fantastic work inspired by National Poetry Day's theme of 'Refuge', as well as the work of Ted Hughes. Barnwood Young Writers is always open to new or returning members and runs in J1 every Tuesday from 3:15 to 4:15.
National Poetry Day Workshops
Students across each year group got an opportunity to work with Mr. Mountain on this year's theme of 'Refuge'. It was a joy to see so many young people exploring such an important idea and producing a wide range of fantastic poetry.
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver Award
At Barnwood Park we offer students the opportunity to complete their Bronze (Year 9+) and Silver (Year 10+) Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) award. A DofE programme is a real adventure from beginning to end. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from. You just need to be aged between 14 and 24 and realise there’s more to life than sitting on a sofa watching life pass you by or scrolling on your phone.
SECTIONS:
You achieve your Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections - Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition
You'll find yourself helping people or the community, getting fitter, developing skills, and going on an expedition.
The best bit is - you get to choose what you do!
Your programme can be full of activities and projects that get you buzzing, and along the way you’ll pick up experiences, friends and talents that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
For further information, click see: https://www.dofe.org/do/activities/
What is the DofE?
Any young person can do their DofE – regardless of ability, gender, background or location. Achieving an Award isn’t a competition or about being first. It’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries.
Through a DofE programme young people have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive, enhancing CVs and university and job applications. Top employers recognise the work-ready skills Award holders bring to their business.
Why do the DofE?
Achieving an Award will give you skills, confidence and an edge over others when you apply for college, university or a job. Beyond your academic achievements, universities want to see evidence of so called ‘soft skills’ that you have developed through extra-curricular activities, such as communication, commitment, leadership and teamwork. Your DofE Award is a fantastic way to demonstrate and evidence these skills in practice.
You’ll also make a difference to other people’s lives and your community, be fitter and healthier, make new friends and have memories to last you a lifetime.
Letters are available from Mrs Aboud or on the school website.
Young Animator of the Year Residential
Sophie Harrington in Year 10 won a place on the Young Animator of the Year summer camp, where she attended a 10 day residential at Bath University.
She created a short film with other finalists. Click here to view the film.
"I helped do the animations, sets, props and other things. My favourite part was making the face model for the main character" - Sophie H.
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Students of the term
Year 7
Bryony Mann (7I) - Excellent start to Maths at Barnwood Park - keep up the good work.
Yasmin Wheeler (7P) - Consistently meets expectations in class and with homework. Works hard and is focused every lesson.
Serenity Lock (7S) - She works really hard and is always trying to improve in maths. Even when Serenity is unsure of an answer, she is willing to contribute.
Year 8
Elsie Hillman (8I) - Excellent start to the term in Maths - working hard in class and at home. Well done.
Greg Payne (8S) - Fantastic work ethic every lesson. Engages well and always adheres to school expectations.
Shaikh Shahzad (8R) - Excellent effort and mindset towards maths homework and classwork.
Isla Jones (8A) - Always super positive in maths and ready to contribute in lessons.
Year 9
Caden Summers (9R) - Great effort and engagement in Maths - well done - keep it up.
David Carter (9S) - No matter how tricky David finds something he always tries, and when he does get an answer right, he is always really proud of himself.
Year 10
Hollie Pearse (10P) - Well done in Statistics. Working hard in class and with homework.
Hayden Lovell (10 ) - Consistently works to a high standard each lesson and very resilient.
Fraser Bright (10P) - Always pushing himself and trying every task even if he finds it really challenging. Very resilient.
Year 11
Tyler Hale (11R) - Working hard in Maths - well done! Keep going and aim high.
Morgan Toth (11A) - Works to a high standard every lesson. wants to challenge himself and has achieved a fantastic result in the assessment.
Leevenia Mangundhla (11S) - Always contributing to lessons and always having questions which provoke more mathematical thinking.
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KS4 visits to ‘Macbeth’
The English team were delighted to be able to take nearly two hundred KS4 students to the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-Upon-Avon to see their thrilling new interpretation of ‘Macbeth’. The performance was mesmerising – the witches emerging from out of the stage elicited gasps of both shock and horror and we watched the incredible special effects with true wonderment. The inventive use of musical instruments was also fascinating - playing a saw with a violin bow makes a truly eerie noise, fitting for the supernatural activities happening on stage.
The students thoroughly enjoyed the performances and also the experience of being in such a unique theatre.
Thank you to all those who supported and attended the performances – students, staff and parents.
Woman in Black - Year 9
The English department is very excited to announce that we have organised a theatre trip to Malvern Theatre for Year 9 students to watch a production of The Woman in Black. There are limited places left, so please ensure that you return the permission slip as soon as possible. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to see a text they will study acted out and to experience the theatre.
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Stars of the term
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Year 7
Jaidon Ladbrooke
Kaiden Llewelyn-Brown
Ellie Tarling
Effie Wood
Kiren Douglas
Cody Kibble
Aanh Abo
Stanislaw Cooke
Tillie-Rose Adams
Jashith Amaram
Imogen Lewis
Mason Jones
Year 8
Daisy Callaghan
Jim Dean
Harley Hodges
Casey Gulwell-Pzadziorka
Isaiah Moulding
Freddie Jenkins
Heidi Thomas
Chernoh Bah
Muniba Raziq
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Year 9
Jacob Montgomery
Jevon Foster
Anelia Savova
Ahmed Morgalba
Jack Haviland
Norbert Knapkiewicz
Bogdan Vlad
Year 10
Shaniya Leachman
Sathmi Wadugodapitiya
Zak Falhani-Knight
Nick Wierzbicki
Alex Bosnic-Barnfield
Joshua O’Donnell
Year 11
Kaitlin Tedaldi
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PE Kit
We would like to remind all students that FULL PE kit is expected for all lessons, all jewellery must be removed every lesson for health and safety reasons. It is very important that all children wear the correct kit for their lessons; it creates a sense of belonging and sets the right standards. As we approach the winter months with cooler temperatures, we want to update our advice so that the children are kept safe and warm.
Compulsory Items
Plain Navy Blue Skort/Navy Blue Football/Rugby shorts.
Navy Blue Polo Shirt with school logo.
Navy and White Rugby Shirt with school logo.
Trainers.
Football Boots & Shin Pads.
Navy Football/Rugby socks for outdoor lessons and white ankle socks for indoor lessons.
Optional
1/4 zip training top with school logo.
Navy base layer with school logo.
Navy Tracksuit bottoms/leggings with school logo for outdoor lessons in winter.
If your child is excused for any reason, we require a note written from home, this will be logged on Edulink. Students are still expected to get changed. We do not want them outside in their school uniform in case of poor weather. Students can still participate in another role e.g. coach, umpire/referee/other official.
We will be in touch via Edulink in the first instance if we have concerns about your child's organisation and participation.
Afterschool Clubs:
| Tuesday |
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Thursday |
Friday |
| Year 7 and 8 Rugby |
Badminton All Years |
Year 7 and 8 Rugby |
Year 11 / Staff Sport |
| Year 9 and 10 Rugby |
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Year 9 and 10 Rugby |
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Upcoming dates:
Secondary Cross Country, Friday 10th November at Plock Court.
Congratulations
Cody H (Y9) and his brother Bradley H (Y7) attended a judo competition. Cody earned a well deserved Silver medal. Bradley had 4 fights with 4 amazing wins which gave him the Gold Medal.
Both boys earned a place to represent the school in the British School Championships in March 2024.
 
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Our SEND students have settled in well to the new school year.
We are developing our section on the website, please take a look. We have a section under Parental Information where there will be advice, help, guidance, and what’s on from charities and organisations that work with us within the local area.
We are also launching our first SEND Parent Forum meeting.
What is the SEND Parent Forum?
The SEND Parent Forum is a partnership between parents and the school. It is a valuable way to share ideas, views, concerns and make suggestions for improvement.
The aims of the Parent Forum will be to:
- work together to improve the provision we can provide for our young people
- share information, knowledge and skills
- meet in a mutually supportive environment
- further improve communications between parents/carers and staff/governors
The Parent Forum does not have any statutory responsibilities, duties or powers in the school.
Who can be part of the Parent Forum?
Any parent/carer of children with SEND, is welcome to join any Parent Forum meeting. The forum will be chaired by myself.
Why should I be part of the Parent Forum?
It gives you, the parent, an opportunity to get together on a regular basis with other parents to have your say on what the school is doing well, and suggest ideas of how things could be improved. Also to share tips between parents.
How often will the Parent Forum meet?
Every term at school for about an hour. Each term the Parent Forum meeting will be held at different times to try to enable as many different parents to attend who wish to.
What will be discussed at the meetings?
The meetings will be informal and are an opportunity for an open discussion. Minutes of the meetings will be taken and these will be accessible on the school's website.
It is not the forum to discuss concerns or complaints involving individual children, families or members of staff.
How can I raise an issue?
Come to the meeting and bring it up during the open discussion.
Our first Parent Forum will be Wednesday 15th November 5-5.45 pm.
If you wish to express an interest to attend please email tjenkins@barnwood-park.gloucs.sch.uk
More updates to follow.
Miss T Jenkins
Associate Assistant Headteacher Strategic Lead of SEND
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Safeguarding and Online Safety
Gloucester County Council and Gloucester Police are increasingly receiving reports of children and young people accessing inappropriate content and being contacted by unknown individuals using apps and websites which enable video chat. There has also recently been national research published by the Internet Watch Foundation which identified that children and young people as young as seven were being exploited online on webcams and chat sites. This local and national concern serves as an opportunity for us to remind all children and young people about being safe online and work together in partnership with parents/carers. For more information, please read the letter from the Designated Safeguarding Lead here.
To facilitate us in achieving our partnership with parents and carers, we will be using the Safer Schools App. Through this APP, we will send regular online safety information to parents and carers to keep you informed about new information around online safety and the potential risks associated with various platforms. There is a reporting function that will enable you to notify us more easily of any online safety incidents or bullying. For information about how you can download the Safer Schools APP, please read the guidance in this letter.
If you have a safeguarding concern either in school or online, please either use the reporting function in the Safer Schools App or email us using this email address: concerns@barnwood-park.gloucs.sch.uk
We take all incidents seriously and work together with parents and carers to resolve incidents as quickly as possible. Please do not discuss children on social media groups. If you have a concern about safety, please contact us or, if a crime has been committed, the Police.
Websites and apps such as Skype, Facetime, Oovoo and more, allow users to communicate on webcam with others and can offer amazing opportunities and experiences for children and adults alike when used safely with friends and family members. However, speaking on webcam or video chat via apps on tablets and smartphones with sometimes unknown and unidentifiable people can leave children and young people vulnerable to online sexual exploitation, including grooming and sexual abuse. Gloucestershire Police and Gloucester County Council are aware that this behaviour is increasingly taking place on video chat apps accessed on tablets and smartphones. Some of these apps have little/no regulation, child safeguarding approaches or mechanisms for law enforcement to use to trace and identify offenders and therefore a shared approach between children, parents/carers, professionals and schools/setting regarding education and awareness about safe online behaviour is essential.
We have seen an increase in inappropriate adult content being shared in group chats on social media. This is harmful sexualised behaviour and causing a child to watch or view sexual imagery or content is an offence under the sexual offences act 2003.
Useful links
RSE
This term, Alter Ego Drama Company delivered their annual production 'Chelsea's Story,' which educates pupils about the risks of unsafe online behaviour and sexual exploitation. Pupils went on to have rich conversations in their PSHE lessons and it was encouraging to hear that pupils were able to talk openly and share any concerns they have about their safety online.
Safeguarding assemblies have been delivered to all pupils about the steps we take to ensure the adults working with them are safe. They have been advised what to do if they have concerns about a member of staff or adult in school or in the community.
To promote World Mental Health Day, the School Nurse Team came into school to talk to students about what is on their minds and what support they would like to see developed in school in the coming months:
 
The RSE policy is currently under review. If any parents or carers wish to consult with us further in the development of the policy, please contact Nicola Young (DSL): nyoung@barnwood-park.gloucs.sch.uk
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