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All the latest News from Ely College

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  • Shortlisted Pupil Librarian of the Year

    Published 26/01/17

    Huge Congratulations to Ely College student Harry Sindle who has been shortlisted for a national award for his hard work in the Learning Resource Centre (LRC).

    Harry is being put forward for Pupil Librarian of the Year and will attend an award ceremony in Westminster later in March. This award is to recognise the contribution made by pupils who work in their school libraries, to acknowledge the skills gained and to give them the recognition they deserve, both within and outside their school community. The judging panel felt his nomination and answers to a set of additional questions showed commitment, passion and a love of the school library and reading.

    The panal announced the finalists on their website: "The Pupil Library Assistant of the Year Award has gone from strength to strength and every year the standard of the nominations goes up. This not only demonstrates the extraordinary work that pupil library assistants do, but also how essential school libraries and librarians are."

     

    "This has, of course, made the work of the PLAA juding panel much harder! This year it has been particularly hard to bring the dozens of nominations down to just five finalists. Shortlisting is always an incredibly difficult task, and one that is made even more difficult because we know that behind every nomination there stands a young person who is daily making a huge difference to their school and their school library. We wish that we could give an award to each and every nominee. However, we could not have an award without finalists, and so we had to reduce the powerful longlist to a shortlist of five. These five outstanding young people showed all the "above and beyond" factors to gain a place on the list of finalists."

     

    Finalists in alphabetical order...

     

    Rebecca Dunville is from Wellington College in Belfast and has worked with her school librarian since September 2011. Her headteacher, Nicola Connery, says Rebecca "represents the core values required from a pupil library assistant" and her librarian, Tanja Jennings, describes her as "conscientious and dedicated."

     

    William Harris is from Lord Wandsworth College in Hampshire and has worked with his school librarian since January 2014. His headteacher, Adam Williams, says "William's efforts are helping to create a legacy at LWC for the way in which pupils use the library" and his librarian, Sue Brown, describes him as "a quite exceptional library assistant."

     

    Victoria Langford is from St Hilda's CE High School in Liverpool and has worked with her school librarian since September 2014. Her headteacher, Jo Code, describes her as "an excellent role model for the other pupils" and her librarian, Jacqueline Hale, says "Victoria's contribution to the library has been huge."

     

    Rishi Shah is from Queen Elizabeth's School in London and has worked with his school librarian since September 2014. His headteacher, Neil Enright, describes him as "a dedicated, hard-working and extremely well-read individual" and his librarian, Ciara Murray, says Rishi has "demonstrated real motivation and creative flair in promoting the library and its benefits."

     

    Harry Sindle is from Ely College in Cambridgeshire and has worked with his school librarian since September 2014. His headteacher, Richard Spencer describes him as "everything you could want in a school librarian. He is calm, knowledgeable and meticulous" and his librarian, Anne Shaw, says "the LRC could not as efficiently and effectively as it does without Harry."

    We all have our fingers crossed for Harry, but even to be shortlisted and attend the awards event is a wonderful acknowledgment of the work and commintment of all the finalists across the country. Welcomed on the night by guest authors, we are sure Harry will make some lasting memories. We will catch up with Harry and Ms Shaw in March.

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  • Community

    Published 26/01/17

    As Ely College continues to support the wider local community, we ask visitors to our site to consider volunteering with this wonderful local charity working in East Cambridgeshire and the Fenland area.

    Can you spare a little bit of time to make a huge difference to a family who need support?

    Home-Start are seeking volunteers to offer support to families in your local area.  Do you have parenting experience and 2 – 3 hours a week available?

    Full training and support will be given and you will gain valuable experience and skills in a rewarding volunteer role.

    We support families who are struggling to cope for a variety of reasons, helping them gain confidence and move forward.

    Our next training courses will start on the 28th February 2017 in Huntingdon and 1st March in Westry, within school hours and will run for nine weeks.

    To talk about volunteering for Home-Start contact our friendly team on 01353 663158 or office.ely@homestartcambridgeshire.co.uk

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  • First PLEDGES & Futures Day

    Published 24/01/17

    Students at Ely College celebrate their first PLEDGES and Futures day

    Ely College students were given the opportunity last week to work towards achieving their PLEDGES, developing their experiences outside of the classroom and working towards their futures.

    PLEDGES are a set of curricular and extracurricular challenges that students are expected to complete during the course of their time at the College. By completing certain sets of challenges, students can achieve bronze, silver and gold awards in each PLEDGE category.

    During the day, which was the first in a series of four PLEDGES and Futures days, activities were focused around the subject of 'Making Healthy Choices'.

    Centred around their own well-being, this allowed students to gain a deeper and more meaningful insight into healthy eating, fitness, relationships, mental health and more.

    Principal, Richard Spencer, said: “PLEDGES were introduced at the College in October and are a vital part of the positive changes that we bring to all schools in the CMAT family.

    “Similar to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, PLEDGES help students develop character and responsibility that can be taken into their adult life. They encourage students to get involved with the wider experiences the College has to offer them.”

    Year 8 student, Aaron Humer, said: “I really enjoyed PLEDGES Day because everyone took part and helped each other. There was loads of teamwork and you could have fun with your friends as well as learn.”

    For those in Years 7 and 8, the activities on Friday included a mini enterprise activity making healthy living pop up books, as well as health surveys and fitness sessions. Meanwhile, those in Years 9 and 10 were treated to a series of talks and a drama production by The Upfront Theatre company. They were then joined by the Year 11s in the afternoon for an exam stress busting workshop.

       

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • Y11 Meet the Tutor Success

    Published 18/01/17

    Last nights 'Meet the Tutor' was very well attended. Our Year 11's and their parents gained some useful insights into their progress and what we can do together to make the forth coming revision season productive and engaging.

    The slideshows from the evening are now available on the website. Curriculum Leads in the core subjects each presented and Mrs Mustill went over some key dates and information. If you still have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Mustill in the first instance.

    "Thanks to all that attended the ‘meet the tutor’ evening last night. The PowerPoints will be on the College website for your reference. Well done to all Year 11 who got their applications submitted by the deadline of Thursday 12 January. You will all receive your offers by Thursday 30 March. The only part of your applications that you can now update is your contact details and each time you do this, we need to approve your application again. Attached is a guide which is produced by the Cambridgeshire Area Partnership (CAP) that informs you of the next stages including guidance meetings or interviews, communication via email, phone and letter, how you will be informed about an offer and finally how you accept an offer. Please do not hesitate to ask if you are unsure or need any help with the next stages."

        

     

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  • Food Cube Open!

    Published 11/01/17

    Food Cube open today!

    The Food Cube is open and ready to serve delicious hot and cold snacks! Ely College in partnership with our on-site catering team from Pabulum, has invested in this innovative outdoor catering facility as a creative solution to some issues raised by students and staff.

    The Food Cube offers a quick serve, queue busting solution with a full range of hot, and grab and go products provided by the school canteen. Reducing queuing time for students, so they can head off to lunchtime clubs and activities, had previously been raised by our student council, and we are happy to see the Food Cube launch this week with students to see how it is received.

    The new Student Council has recently been appointed and yesterday they met to discuss a breaktime and lunch agenda. The Student Council will meet regularly, bringing together what they have discussed at individual House Council meetings, where Student Voice Form Representatives are given a platform to voice the appreciation and concerns of the student body.

    Check out our Catering Menus and Tariffs for more information about Pabulum.

    There are plans to extend service beyond purely breaktime and lunchtime with after school and external events also having the benefit of the Food Cube.

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  • Police Recruitment

    Published 10/01/17

    Supporting our local constabularary as they support the school, please take a look at these posters Cambridgeshire Police have asked us to forward on to parents and carers in the area.

    Police recruitment evening

    Could you help make Cambridgeshire a safer place?

    Ever considered working for your police force?

    We’re giving you the opportunity to hear fromthose who have.

    We’re looking for applicants for roles within
    Cambridgeshire Constabulary and believe you may have what it takes.

    Our force is committed to creating a safer county through excellent policing and a close, trusting relationship with the people of Cambridgeshire. To achieve this, we must have a workforce that reflects the communities it serves and, currently, it does not.

    Our Positive Action programme ensures all applicants compete on equal terms. We’re looking
    for people with drive and commitment who can sign up to our values of integrity, respect and sensitivity.

    Please join us at:
    The Community Room, Tesco,
    Fordham Road, Newmarket, CB8 7AH.
    on January 18, 6pm to 8pm
    RSVP to Insp Louise Angel on 07738 025275
    We look forward to seeing you.

     

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  • Maths clinic

    Published 10/01/17

    'Maths Clinic' runs on a Wednesday, 3.00 – 4.00pm and is for all year groups.  Maths staff are on hand to assist with any class work, homework or maths queries. Students need to bring work with them.

    Maths revision sessions run for Year 10’s and 11’s on a Wednesday, 3.00 – 4.00pm. Maths staff will run a Foundation session and a Higher session on the specified topic (please see the attached information).

    A Higher tier ‘Stretching to A-Level’ session will run on a Thursday, 3.00 – 4.00, open to Higher tier students.

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  • Year 11 Matters

    Published 09/01/17

    Year 11 Revision Support Timetable now available on our website!  Find it here.

     

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  • Christmas Lunch

    Published 05/12/16

    Christmas Lunch 2016 - Tuesday 13th December

    One day only, available to all Year groups

    £2.75

    No advance payment needed. Students can top up their catering cards as usual

    The Express Lane, with limited hot snacks and pasta, will still be available for students not participating in the Christmas Lunch event

    FSM students are entitled to this dinner and their daily allowance on this day will be increased accordingly

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  • Ely College joins forces with Engineering Development Trust to give students a taste of industry

    Published 02/12/16

    Ely College is improving the career opportunities for its young people by collaborating with national educational charity the EDT (Engineering Development Trust) and their partners from The Bloodhound Project. Working together they will enable the pupils to take part in activities which will give them an insight into Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers with local industry.

    As part of a series of STEM days across all year groups, Year 7 students were challenged to work in teams to design, build and test their own wind turbine models. This active learning session allowed them to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of wind energy using their design technology, maths, science and engineering skills. Students also enjoyed a fascinating talk by Mike Ford, engineer on the Bloodhound Super Sonic Car Team.

    Through various tasters, projects and placements, Ely College pupils will learn more about local employers and local industry. Combinations of visits, talks, ‘hands-on’ projects and mentoring by engineers and scientists will allow the young people to see STEM subjects being used in practice and give them a taste of working in these industries.

    Sam Craven, Science Curriculum Leader, said of these STEM partnerships, “Ely College is committed to ensuring that our students are prepared for the world of work, that they understand the careers that can be available for them and, particularly in the case of STEM careers, the skills and qualification they will need. We work with organisations like the EDT and The Smallpeice Trust to connect with local industry and provide our young people with opportunities that enable them to apply theory into practical experiences, helping them to understand that working hard during education can lead to a rewarding career further down the line.”

    EDT has a proven track record of success, with 30,000 young people being reached across the UK annually through their programmes. Students who have taken part have then gone on to experience success in STEM-related industries and beyond.

    Michelle James, Education Officer for EDT, who led the session commented “The behaviour of Ely College students has been excellent. They all got involved in the project and asked challenging questions about energy sources for the future. We are delighted to be working with Ely College in providing their students with the opportunity to participate in activities that will raise their awareness of STEM careers in local industry. It’s important for young people to be aware of the future opportunities available to them whilst they are still in education, so that they can make informed decisions about their study options. Giving them an insight into STEM careers and into local industry at a young age can help to raise aspirations and give them hands-on experiences that will help them throughout their studies and into their future careers.”

    Earlier this year, the college joined Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (CMAT). CMAT has a strong track record in improving achievement and attainment in the region and the Trust is committed to improving the quality of education and life in the county of Cambridgeshire.

    Winners of the Wind Turbine Challenge - Well done!

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  • Catch up: Learning Outside the Classroom

    Published 30/11/16

    Here's a little catch up of some stories we have been featuring over on our new Facebook page. Like the page or follow us over on twitter for daily content.

    https://www.facebook.com/ElyCollegeCMAT                         https://twitter.com/elycollege

    Earlier this month, a selection of Year 8 students took part in a scholars programme known as ‘The Brilliant Club’.

    The club is designed to challenge and motivate students at levels above their key stage; it also inspires students to consider the top 30 Universities in the country as a reality for them all and helps equip them with the skills necessary.

    They had the most amazing day at the launch hosted at Catherine College, Cambridge University. Meeting with their PhD tutor..., they had a focused study session where they all communicated with her confidently and with ease.

    They also participated in an amazing debate where they had to prepare ‘elevator’ pitches about one thing that they would like to change about their school. This wasn’t easy as they were challenged every step of the way. The change in their confidence was evident from the start to the end of the day and they are now engaged and fired-up to complete their assignments.

    We look forward to celebrating their successful completion of the programme in January 2017. Many thanks to Mrs Batchford who leads this fantastic Session 6 club.

    We also had the pleasure this month of participating for the first time in the Shakespeare Schools Festival! Throughout October and November, 30,000 young people took to professional stages nationwide, performing the Bard’s works in front of a live audience in the biggest Shakespeare celebration of the year. 

    This year brought with it the 400th Anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, and the 16th annual Shakespeare Schools Festival. The national festival saw in 313 festival nights that took place in 131 theatres across the country, with up to 25 performances a night happening simultaneously. 

    Ely College was proud of it emerging stars of the stage, as they performed 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at the Mumford Theatre in Cambridge. Our Drama students from all backgrounds seized the opportunity to experience the magic of theatre through the timeless work of Shakespeare.

    Principal Richard Spencer, who attended the evening, thanked & congratulated "our Shakesp-heroes" involved in the outstanding production. The cast and crew received high praise from the professional adjudicator and were a credit to the College.

    "Bravo and encore! You are such stuff as dreams are made on!"

      

    And finally, a huge well done to our Year 11 & Year 10 students who took part in the Higher Education Field Academy (HEFA) back in July. They got their certificates and feedback in assembly today. All A*/A!

    Run by The University of Cambridge this outreach archaeology programme allows the students to work at an undergraduate level with fantastic detailed feedback. Ely College has worked with Access Cambridge Archaeology as a Beacon School for a number of years now and we look forward to next year's course.

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  • Dress Diabolical for Diabetes

    Published 21/10/16

    Ely College Sixth Form students will be putting on their spookiest outfits for Halloween this year, in aid of Diabetes UK.

    Werewolves, zombies, witches and skeletons will be making their way to the College where they will partake in spooktacular stories, a paranormal picnic bake sale and a living dead quiz.

    The event is being organised by the College’s sixth form student union, and is part of the college’s PLEDGES system, which encourages all students to get involved in extra-curricular activities.

    Fleur Patten, English teacher and Sixth Form Student Support Officer, is a Type 1 diabetic and was delighted that the Sixth Form union decided to make this their first fundraiser of the year.

    She said: “We intend to support many charities this year but this one was difficult to resist. There is much in the media about the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, but it isn’t helpful to blame.

    “Type 1 is usually developed in teenage years or younger from a trigger which causes the body to attack its own cells and render the pancreas unable to produce insulin. We are very lucky to have Addenbrooke’s so nearby but it’s not easy for children to manage diabetes in school. We hope our antics today help to raise awareness.”

    Laura Nicolajsen, joint chair of the Sixth Form student union, said: “We were shocked when we heard 1 in 16 people in the UK has diabetes and one person is newly diagnosed every 2 minutes. We want to do our part to lower these statistics. We hope that a cure is discovered in our lifetime.”

    The college are still looking for donations, so if you have a few pennies to spare for a good cause, please visit their Just Giving page at:

    https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Ely-Sixth-Form-dresses-Diabolical-for-Diabetes.

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