Dear <<Title>> <<Last Name>>,

Welcome to the new Weekly Newsletter, which is designed to keep parents, friends of the College and other interested parties up-to-date with College news, match fixtures and other relevant information.

Record Pupil Numbers

A record 386 pupils arrived for the start of the 2011 Autumn Term, joined by nine new staff, including our new Deputy Head, Rob Jones.

A new Sixth Form Study area, adjacent to the Sports Hall, will provide Year 12 pupils with a purpose-designed study area as they make the transition from GCSE to AS-level. Last year 52 out of 58 of our Year 13 students were successful in gaining places at their first or second choice university.

Global Shiplake

The 25 man senior squad had a very successful rugby tour of South Africa. They won two out of three games before splitting  into two squads for Shiplake’s first international sevens tournament.  However, the photos and video suggests they need to work on their ostrich riding skills. For full details of the tour visit the blog at www.shiplakecollegerugby.blogspot.com

Every single member of the Kenya Expedition made it to the top of Mount Kenya this summer, a tribute to the team spirit created by Miss Arnold and Miss Erasmus, who accompanied the group. As well as adventuring, the boys visited the Kikunduku groups of schools to undertake more charitable work.

Development and Refurbishment

A number of dormitories in Burr have been refurbished during the summer holiday and work on Skipwith is almost complete. The pillars supporting the bay windows in the building had rotted after being battered by  120 years of prevailing winds. A new yellow brick path has been laid along the main drive to improve pedestrian safety and nine tons of sands has been spread into the 1st XV rugby pitch to improve its durability.

Weekend Events

Senior teams and sides from Years 10 and 11 will be playing rugby against Reed's School on Saturday 10th September. Parents are very welcome to spectate and join us for tea in the Great Hall after the games. Parents travelling to Reed's can find directions at http://www.reeds.surrey.sch.uk/page/find-us

On Sunday, 11th September, there will be a trip to Longridge Adventure Centre, probably the most idyllic venue for water sports on the Thames, for pupils staying at school.

In the evening, at 1930, the Reverend Cousins will be taking a full College Service in the Parish Church. Parents are most welcome to join the congregation.

Parents' Association

Shiplake PA would like to invite all Year 9 Parents to join them for a cream tea on Saturday, 10th September at 3.00pm in the Tithe barn. Shiplake PA has never been about raising money (although we need to cover our cost and we donate to charity) – our aim is to make everyone feel welcome at College-wide events. We’re not after your money, or your time to help (unless of course you would like to – in which case you will be welcomed with opened arms) – we would just love you to support our events.

Coming soon:

Saturday the 8th October – Headmaster’s Quiz – French theme, tables of eight.
Saturday the 5th of November – Christmas Fayre – lots of shopping with mulled wine! What could be better?

More details to follow! If you would like to be involved in the Shiplake Parents' Association, please contact Moya Flynn at moyaflynn@talktalk.net

Netball Tour

Miss Erasmus would like to remind parents of girls in Gilson House about the Netball tour planned for Easter 2012. Please complete and return the permission form by 16th September 2011.

Shape of the Day

You will be aware that last year we conducted a review of the shape of our school week. Although start and finish times are broadly the same, there have been some changes to lesson timings and subject allocations that we think will provide a better balanced curriculum and a more efficient (and less frenetic!) school day. The outline for the week and the main changes are summarised below:

• Most lessons are now one hour in length. Some subjects (Maths, Languages, PSHE) will have some 30 minute lessons.
• Lower School academic timings are now in line with the rest of the College.
• Lower School pupils will receive ‘Life Skills’ lessons.
• Sixth Form subjects have a slightly increased time allocation.
• GCSE Maths and Science have an increased time allocation.
• All core subjects at Key Stage 3 have an increased time allocation.
• Year 9 have an enrichment programme on a Saturday, in place of academic lessons.
• Lessons finish at 12.00 on a Saturday.

Year 9 Enrichment Programme

Tomorrow we launch our Year 9 Enrichment Programme. On Saturday mornings all pupils will follow a carousel in five curriculum areas: they will have the opportunity to undertake a range of creative and intellectual activities which staff would not otherwise have time to deliver during allocated lesson times. This exciting programme will run throughout the year and parents will be invited to enjoy any ‘end products’ such as short plays, TV productions and artwork.

For the remainder of Saturday morning pupils will follow a minor activities programme in the Autumn Term, and then take part in major games/fixtures in the afternoon. They will take major games in the Spring Term, and Outdoor Pursuits (for many leading on to the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award in Year 10) in the Summer Term.

Bear Trap Theatre Visit : Bound

The Bear Trap Theatre Company will be bringing their multi-award winning show “Bound” into the Tithe Barn Theatre on Friday, 23rd September at 7.30pm. Miss Saker has written a letter with further details, for the attention of all GCSE Drama and AS/A2 Level Theatre Studies pupils. It is also relevant to all pupils taking AS/A2 Music or English.