Another busy week this week! 

Maths Challenge Update! 

We were delighted to receive the results of the Senior Maths Challenge earlier in the week. Our students performed exceptionally well, with 7 Bronze, 7 Silver and 7 Gold certificates between the participants. We also have 8 students through to compete in the next round against some of the very best mathematicians in the country. Special congratulations to Fin S. and Izzy H. for achieving ‘best in year’, and to Imri T., for the impressive ‘best in school’ accolade.

Environmental Systems & Societies: student field work 

Mx Studholme has been very busy in the last couple of weeks with our Environmental Systems and Societies students, who have been doing lots of field and practical work. Over the summer, Mx Studholme was given an infrared wildlife camera by the British Ecological Society, which the year 12 students set up in the woods at the back of our field. They were delighted to find that after a weekend of leaving the camera, we have badgers, deer, rabbits and foxes who are regular visitors! The footage captured has proved very useful to the students, and the experience of setting up and using the camera most exciting! 

Our ESS students have also been this week on a tour of the Fen Drayton Lakes RSPB Nature reserve with the reserve warden. This visit has been arranged to give students the opportunity to learn about the conservation work happening at the reserve, which ties into pupils’ current unit on biodiversity and conservation. 

House Surgeries 

This week we have welcomed families into College to meet with the House and SEND Teams as part of our very successful House Surgeries. These are designed to provide parents with a chance for a face to face meeting outside of Parents’ Evenings, to raise any minor concerns and discuss solutions with key staff. We are grateful to the staff for giving up their time to provide the opportunity for parents, and hope that those parents who attended found it useful. 

Eastern Angles Theatre Company: Trip to Ipswich 

This Tuesday Mr Griffin and Miss Bell took our Performing Arts students to Ipswich to a workshop led by a member of Eastern Angles theatre company and an evening performance of Ghost Stories by Candlelight. The students had a fantastic time seeing a high quality production, and developing their understanding of the Company, which is studied as part of their Community Theatre Performance BTEC unit. We are always keen to provide pupils with the chance to experience live theatre; lots more opportunities for this will be coming soon across different year groups. 

PSHE Programme Update from Mr Gee 

Mr Gee has kindly put together some information on the sessions running this week as part of our PSHE programme. 

IBLP Sessions at IVC: Fostering Wellbeing and Awareness 
Our students this week had extended IB Learner Profile sessions on Tuesday, 15th October, and Thursday, 17th October. These sessions form a vital part of our IB Learner Profile (IBLP) programme, designed to equip students with essential knowledge and skills related to health, safety, and personal development. 

Key Themes and Importance of the Content
The overarching theme of these sessions is to foster a holistic understanding of personal and social issues that significantly impact our students’ lives. By addressing topics such as puberty, addiction, digital safety, relationships, and sexual health, we aim to cultivate a supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and emotionally. 

Understanding Change and Growth
Students will engage in discussions around Navigating Change, focusing on puberty and the emotional transitions that accompany this phase of life. By exploring these topics, we encourage empathy and support among peers, fostering the IBLP trait of being Caring. This foundational knowledge helps students build a strong sense of self and resilience as they grow. 

Recognising Risks and Making Informed Choices
Our sessions on Addictive Behaviours and E-Safety aim to empower students with the awareness needed to identify and mitigate risks in their lives. Understanding the dangers of addiction and the implications of sharing personal information online are crucial for promoting safe behaviours. This aligns with the IBLP traits of being Inquirers and Knowledgeable, equipping students to make informed decisions that support their wellbeing. 

Building Healthy Relationships
Discussions on relationships will help students set healthy expectations and understand the importance of consent. Through the exploration of Relationship Realities and Safe Choices, we emphasise the significance of communication and respect in all interactions. These topics resonate with the IBLP traits of being Principled and Communicators, guiding students in developing meaningful connections with others. 

Navigating Complex Issues
We also delve into complex topics such as the risks associated with pornography and extremism. By fostering open dialogues around these sensitive subjects, we encourage critical thinking and reflection, nurturing the IBLP trait of being Thinkers. This empowers students to engage thoughtfully with societal issues and understand their implications. 

Promoting Health Awareness
Finally, our focus on Cancer Awareness and sexual health education aims to provide students with vital knowledge about health conditions and preventative measures. By understanding the importance of early detection and making healthy choices, we promote the IBLP trait of being Balanced, encouraging students to take responsibility for their wellbeing. 

SEND Trip to Clip and Climb 

On Wednesday, some of our KS3 Pavilion students went on a trip to Clip and Climb, led by Mr Mallett. The students had a taster of climbing activities, whilst also working on building their confidence, developing their resilience, problem solving and teamwork skills- as well as having fun! 

Indian Cookery: new course added! 

We are in the process of organising our programme of adult learning for January, but following a really successful Indian Cookery course earlier this term, we are pleased to announce the launch of a second course after half term, to include making bhajis and samosas, mutter paneer and a Balti sauce! Don’t forget that for pupils in year 9 and upwards, there is the option of a ‘family ticket’ which means that a parent/carer and child can attend the class for a very reasonable price. For more information, please visit the adult learning section of our website.