Easingwold School

England out and Grand Day out

2010-06-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

Well I never really thought we would win the World Cup, but I was hoping for a little more passion and determination. Back to the tennis. To chear me up I went with the Yr7 students to the Hole of Horkum today, on their Geography visit. They looked at how the area has to be made sustainable so it can be used by us and others in the future. I was very impressed with their attitude and the way they looked after one another. I had some very interesting conversations about how England had played and how the Yr8 cricket team will do at Headingley tomorrow, as they have reached the final of the Yorkshire Championship!
In two weeks we will be getting ready to see you on invasion day. I hope you are looking forward to it as much as we are. If you have any questions concerning the day please let me know via the email. Have great week!

England and Treasure Hunt

2010-06-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

This week has been as usual busy and the excitement of the World Cup has built steadily. In one Yr7 form I have been given a team to follow out of a hat. I got Paraguay! Not that much hope of getting to the final! Really was looking forward to Friday but being an England supporter is never easy and I half expected us to draw against the USA. Anyway onwards to Algeria on Friday! Miss Robins and Mrs Robinson have told me that the Treasure Hunt was brilliant and they were very impressed by all the students who attended. Thank you for coming and we look forward to seeing you again soon. This week Mrs Chidwick, the Head Teacher returns from Sri Lanka where she has been visiting our partner school. I am sure she will have had a very educational and inspiring time, but suspect she will be glad to see all the Easingwold students again! Blog soon, Mr Betts

Visiting new students

2010-06-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

Today I visited 22 students at Clifton in Rawcliffe School who will be starting with us in September. As with all the schools I visit I am constantly impressed by the students' politeness and enthusiasm. All the students at Clifton asked excellent questions like, "how much money do we bring for dinner money?" (£2 is enough) or "What is my favourite football team?" (Brighton!). I hope they enjoyed meeting me as much as I did meeting them.
I know between Mrs Robinson, Mr Garnham, Mr Palethorpe and myself we have almost met every student. We still have a couple of schools to do so dont worry if you havent had a visit, we will see you soon!

Hello 2010

2010-06-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

Bit scary to be honest that I have been away from this blog for over a year. As always the students motivate and inspire me and one of our new students for 2010 let me know they really liked the idea of this blog. So its back.
A busy year since I last wrote. Lots has happened and I will tell you more over the next few weeks, but the main purpose of this blog is to help Yr6 students coming to the school in September, hopefully informing them of events going on and tips to settle in well.
This week we have our treasure hunt for Yr6 and their families. Basically you get to go around the school and hunt for the pictures I have left giving you a map and clues to where they are. We hope this familiarises you with the school a little more. We also have our top rated restaurant open and we would love you to try the food, so bring some money and enjoy! Unfortunately I will not be there on Thursday as I have to be in London, but Mrs Robinson will be there with Miss Robins the Deputy Head Teacher to answer any questions.
As always if you want to contact me or Mrs Robinson about anything to do with the school do not hesitate to contact us at either p.betts@easingwold.n-yorks.sch.uk or e.robinson@easingwold.n-yorks.sch.uk. Thanks for reading and see you soon.

Goodbye for now

2008-10-19T12:26:00.001-07:00

Well a week away from half term and the time has really flown by for us all. Everyone has settled in to working well and getting involved with all the school has to offer. It has been good doing the blog over the past few months and the fact it has generated so many e mails from students has been a real bonus!
However , you may have noted that I have not updated it for a while and that is mainly due to the blogs' initial relevance being for new students, and as there are not many new ones joining at the moment, I have decided to stop blogging till March 09, and hope that if you do need to contact me you will use my e mail address p.betts@easingwold.n-yorks.sch.uk
Thanks for reading and I will be back sooner than you'll know.

Open Evening

2008-09-22T13:22:00.000-07:00

Once again apologies for not blogging sooner, its just that so much goes on in the school we hardly seem to stop!!

Good news is the new school day is a resounding success. Personally, doing rugby and basketball training after school is great as we get a massive turn out and have longer to train. The boys have not played many fixtures yet, but the girls have played quite a few netball and football matches. In yr8 the A and B girls team beat Terrington Hall in Netball. As I understand it they came back from conceding a lot of goals to win at the death! Not a bad start to the year.

On Thursday 25Th September 08, we have our Open Evening. Any prospective students and their families are invited to visit the School, attending the presentation in the Main Hall at 7pm. Usually its very busy, so I would suggest you arrive early if possible and bring some money to try the best School food in the North. Best thing about the evening is that you get to have an idea of how the School functions and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask the guides or one of the teachers.

To finish the week we have our European Day of Languages on the Friday 26Th September. The School is again open for tours in the morning as the lessons go on, and the Year 7 are encouraged to dress up in European style costume. Photos are always worth a look, especially of the Staff who get dressed up.

Have a good week and hopefully see you on Thursday

First Week

2008-09-10T13:00:00.000-07:00

Well we have just flown through the first week and all the new students have settled in very well. I have been very impressed with the new Yr7 students who have found their way around the school very quickly and have excellent manners and a strong work ethic.

The weather has not helped, as we have had a lot of dinner times when its rained but students have found clubs and activities to keep themselves busy.

The IDEA days have been very successful for the Yr7 students, as they have started to develop the skills we think they need to succeed in their futures. So far they have analysed the skills they already have and then when working in groups they have designed their own board games after evaluating a range of others. The work has been excellent, and perhaps the best game was the one titled "who killed Mr Garnham" which was based on Cluedo!!

Lastly I assisted Mr Tiffany in coaching rugby after school with the students from Years 7 to 11. Great session where we looked at handling skills and supporting the ball carrier. It was very useful to have the extra time after school and as always impressive to see the older students encouraging the younger ones.

A very good first week.

First day of term

2008-08-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hello again and apologies for not writing sooner. I hope you have enjoyed your holidays and are looking forward to the start of the school year. I am hoping to keep updating the blog through the year and maybe have your help to add bits for next years Yr6!!!

Well the first day is nearly here so I thought that you would appreciate some tips for the first week.

On Monday 1st September the staff have a training day, so you do not need to come in.

You need to be a school for 8.40-8.45 on Tuesday 2nd September, in your school uniform and with basic pens, pencils and stationary. Oh and of course dinner money (£2) or your own pack up.

You need to come into the main entrance and look at the notice telling everyone where their form room is. We are hoping to put all this info on the web site on Monday 1st Sept.

If you are not sure what to do, do not worry. Mr Garnham, Miss Bellamy and myself will all be in the main entrance to help you.

On the first day, periods 1 & 2 are tutor periods, when you will get your planners and timetables as well as getting to know your new form. There will also be an assembly during these two periods.

After break you will have the class that is on your timetable. We will have guides to take you to lessons as you get used to the layout of the school and hopefully answer any questions you my have.

On the first day please don't bring in any PE kit as you will not need it on the first day.

Lots there to take in and as always feel free to e mail me with any questions you may have at p.betts@easingwold.n-yorks.sch.uk.

Have a good weekend.

Invasion Days and Sports Award Evening

2008-07-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

Well its been a while since I have written anything on the blog and there's lot to catch up on

On Wednesday 2ND July we had sports day and our first sports award evening. Both events went very well and we have even bigger plans for next year. The awards were especially good as we got to recognise the efforts and achievements of all our sportsmen and women across the school and the have a bit of dance!! Pictures to follow!!

On the following Tuesday and Wednesday we had our invasion days. Lots of new students had a good day and Mr Garnham was delighted to see you all. Your attitude and efforts were great to see and expectations are already very high for September.

I will put a couple more posts up before the summer and hopefully give you some handy hints before the new term.

Enjoy the last few days of primary school!

Mini Olympics

2008-06-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

It was great to see so many Year 6's getting involved with the mini Olympics today, and I thought that you were fantastic. Even though it rained a bit (quite a lot actually), it did not stop you showing loads of enthusiasm and lots of skill. Well done to everyone that took part, especially those that got certificates and Jacob Lacey who got the most points! You're going to be a great year group to work with.

I thought that the Year 6's that were in school on Monday were superb too. Some of the Drama that you produced in a day was amazing. You've set yourselves a really high standard for next year...but keep it up!

Thanks to all the Year 9 and 10's that also took part in both days. As ever you were a credit to the school and great role-models.

Now I'm looking forward to invasion day.

Mr Garnham

Finding your way

2008-06-25T13:33:00.000-07:00

Well its been a week since I last wrote anything and its has once again flown by.

Last Wednesday night we had the treasure hunt around the school so students could get used to the layout. There were lots of questions and I have received alot of e mails since then and hopefully I have answered all of them!

One or two students asked about getting lost. This is a real concern for a lot of new students to the school (and new staff), but I can reassure you we do look after you. When you start you will be given guides who will take you from lesson to lesson and keep an eye out for you. If you ever get lost, then Mrs Croisdale and Mrs Thacker on front reception will always find out where you should be.

This week has been very exciting. Being a Scientist I should like all the disciplines, but as a Physicist, I tend to enjoy talking about stars and electricity than the human body or chemicals. But this week I was reminded how great Biology is. My Year 7 students were working with microscopes and had a fantastic time looking at skin and onion cells and what a coffee grain looks like when magnified a 100 times! We are never too old to learn.

Some Year 5 students were also in this week doing a technology day. They all seemed to enjoy the day massively and the work they produced was excellent. In some ways that is the start of their transition for next year. By then those of you who are starting in September 08 will be almost in Year 8. Time really does fly by.

Clubs and Cricket

2008-06-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

At last I have uploaded the first part of Natalie's Guide to Clubs. Here she is helped by Rosie to guide you around some of the clubs available. We will have more on clubs soon.

Yesterday the Yr10 cricket team won the final of the Area Cup. They played Thirsk in the final who have some very talented individuals and were favourites to win. But the boys played together as a team and came out winners by 20 runs! A thrilling match and all credit to their attitude and efforts as well as their talented coach Mr Garnham.

Yesterday we also went to Easingwold Primary School to meet the Yr6 students starting in September. Again a very talented and enthusiastic bunch and we had a very enjoyable time. Mr Garnham and myself hope to see some of them at the Treasure Hunt on Wednesday, but don't worry if you cannot make it as you'll get to know the school in the next few months.

Treasure Hunt and Busy Weeks

2008-06-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hello again. I can't believe a week has just flown by. Last week the school was really packed with things to do. There were trips out and visits from outside speakers and all in all I had to run to keep up!

I did a couple of visits to individual students who are starting next year from schools where we are only taking one or two students. They all said how much they are looking forward to starting and making new friends. Easingwold is definitely a school to make alot of new friends, and the more you get involved the more people of all ages you'll get to know.

We have done another video with Natalie and Rosie about some of the school clubs. I will put that on the blog this week.

Finally, this Wednesday we are holding our Treasure Hunt at the school from 7pm. You can come along (no need for school uniform) and have a look at the school whilst hunting down the famous people. I would suggest you bring some money to try our school meals which are considered the best in North Yorkshire!! We look forward to seeing you there.

Sun is shining

2008-06-09T12:59:00.000-07:00

Hello again. Today was very hot and the students enjoyed playing football and other games on the fields at dinner.

This morning I taught Yr10 top set in preparation for their Science exam next week. They spent most of the time working in small groups or pairs testing themselves using past exam papers. The good points are that they enjoy the physics we cover so I presume revision is not too arduous.

Then I worked with am A-Level Physics student who is also preparing for his exams. He is working hard but needed a little guidance on Lenz's Law and Flemming's Left Hand Rule!! Ask your parents if you want to know more about them!

At the moment we have a lot of cricket, athletics and rounders matches. Students who represent the school miss afternoon lessons to play fixtures. They have ask permission from teaching staff to be absent from lessons and then ensure they copy up the work missed. So far we have a lot of success in the summer sports and lets hope the fine weather continues so we can finish all the fixtures.

Tomorrow I will give out permission letters to all the students who want to help with the Treasure Hunt next Wednesday 18th June. I have already had lots of interest as students at the school are always very keen to help the new students.

Finally, apologies if you have e mailed me in the past few days and not received a reply. We have a problem with the Internet at school at the moment and I can only access the e mail from school. Hopefully it will be working tomorrow.

Have a great week

Cricket, Pirates and Zebras

2008-06-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

Hi, it's Mr Garnham here and I wanted to use this space to thank all the Year 6's that I have met so far for making me feel really welcome in your primary schools.

I have enjoyed visiting Sutton primary this morning where it was clear that there were some very talented sportsmen and girls, and yesterday I heard all about the weird and wonderful animals that the Year 6's at Linton like....There was lots of mention of snakes and one student who wanted a pet zebra!

I've been really impressed with all of you that I have met and I'm looking forward to visiting Husthwaite tomorrow, although unfortunately it means that I will miss the Year 10 boys playing in their cricket county cup semi-final. We've just got back from Harrogate where they did fantastically well to beat another very good school. It was weird when we got back to school though because there was very loud music pumping out from the youth club and we looked over and saw Mr Neary and Mr Henderson dressed as pirates........ They had organised a disco for Year 8 and everyone had to go dressed as pirates!

As you can tell there is lots going on at Easingwold and it isn't all just things in the classroom!

Primaries, e mail and Natalie's first guide

2008-06-05T10:37:00.000-07:00

Well here is our first attempt at video on the blog, which thanks to the talented Natalie and Rosie was not too difficult. I held the camera but Natalie was the star and then Rosie a wizzkid on the computer. Talented ladies!!! We hope to give you more guides in the near future and introduce other staff and students.

Over the past few days Mr Garnham and I have seen alot more students and enjoyed meeting you all. I went to Wiggington and Skelton Primaries and got asked lots of questions! Well done for being such polite and thoughtful students. Next year is looking very good already.

Finally I got my first e mail from a student asking questions. He was interested in what happened in school during the day and I hope I answered all his queries well. Do e mail Mr Garnham or me if you have a question.

Hope the you enjoyed the video! (ps takes a while to load but worth it!)

Primary visits and international athletes

2008-06-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day. One of our Yr7 students has been chosen to represent GB in the modern pentathlon in July. Its great news for her, her family and the school. We are all aware that she has only achieved this by a lot of hard work and dedication. We are very proud of all our students achievements whether they be in sport, music, art, or any other activity.

I really enjoy hearing about students achievements. Sometimes we find out because a teacher tells us of how hard students are working and other times their parents contact us to tell us. However the best times are when the students tell us. We should all be proud of achievements whether they are in the classroom or on the playing fields!

The next role I had to play was showing a prospective student around. She would like to join Yr9 in September. She was very attentive, then enthusiastically answered my questions!! I assured her that she will get to know lots of people, but it takes time and the best way was to get involved in all activities so that you make a wide range of friendships. As she left she said she was looking forward to starting.

In the afternoon I went to Clifton in Rawcliffe Juniors. I saw 17 students who will be joining us in September. They all asked lots of questions from how many classrooms do we have (about 50 to 70 I think, but I will check that) to what football team do I support (best in land, Brighton and Hove Albion). They were very polite and enthusiastic and it was a real pleasure to meet them.

Hopefully they can all come to our treasure hunt on Wed 18th June at 7pm at the school. Its a chance to have dinner at the school canteen (the best in north yorkshire and £2 gets a fantastic meal) and then get use to the school layout as you go about hunting for the various rooms. Its good fun and was set up after we talked to some students who thought it would be a good idea.

Once again feel free to e mail me if you have any questions.

Monday 2nd June 08

2008-06-02T13:01:00.001-07:00

Back to school today after the half term.

Good to see all the students, and strangley I was nervous about my first Science lesson with Year 7. Not sure why but I guess we all get nervous at different times and for different reasons

Anyway the lesson went well with the students answering many questions on the particle theory of matter. They are a bright bunch and have usually got the answers to all my questions!!!

Next we all had to be quiet as we walked past the Main Hall. The Yr11 students are doing taking their GCSE exams at the moment. They are all working hard and I suspect looking forward to the end in about 2 weeks!

Tomorrow I am off on a visit to Clifton Without Primary to see some students coming to Easingwold in September. This is my first visit, but Mr Garnham has already been to Forest of Galtreys and several others. He has found all the students at the primaries fantastic, so he is really looking forward to starting as Head of Year 7 in September.

Easingwold School

2008-06-02T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hello.

My name is Mr Betts and I am Assistant Headteacher at Easingwold Secondary School.
Over the half term holiday I thought it might be a good idea to do a blog so that students joining the school (and others who are interested!!) can get an idea of the goings on in the school during the next seven weeks.

I have never done a blog before so I am unsure of how this will look, but if you want to e mail suggestions or any general questions to me please do, and i will try and reply as soon as possible. My e mail address is p.betts@easingwold.n-yorks.sch.uk.

Over the next few weeks Mr Garnham (Head of Year 7) and I will visit all the students who are joining the school in September. We are also holding various days and events to help you familiarise yourself with the school. we're looking forward to meeting you all!

Easingwold School is a great school and I am confident you will enjoy it, but if ever you have a question, worry or concern please ask us and we will always try to help.