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Positively Portsmouth 'Passport to Success'
Two hundred Year 9 pupils (from all secondary schools in the city) have been selected to take part in the Lord Mayor, Councillor Cheryl Buggy’s scheme, ‘Positively Portsmouth: Passport to Success’. These pupils are now undertaking a series of employment-focused challenges in order to earn stamps for their ‘Passport to Success’.
So far twenty of Springfield School's Gifted Year 9 pupils have taken part in a trip to the Guildhall to see the Council Chambers and meet with the Mayor, who provided their ‘passports’ and gave the pupils a tour of the Council Chambers.
As part of the ‘Charity Challenge’ we have participated in the Great South Run and organised a successful bake sale, raising over £300 for charities including ‘Keep a Child Alive’.
Currently, the Gifted and Talented group is preparing for the ‘IBM Smarter Cities’Challenge’. The ‘Smarter’ concept simply means collecting data and using it to improve performance. With this in mind, the groups will find out what data can be collected concerning Retail, Energy or Transport; what information can be drawn from the data and then decide how the information can be used to improve performance within that field.
After being briefed by representatives of IBM, the pupils now have until 22nd February to prepare their presentations. They will present their ideas in front of a judging panel on Wednesday 22nd February at Boathouse No.7 in Portsmouth. This will be an all day event with heats in the morning and a final at Action Stations in the afternoon.
Mr J Pitchford - Gifted Coordinator KS3 |
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Cafe Scientifique
On Wednesday 7th December we were very privileged to host a talk by Professor John Steinfrom Oxford University. He told us all about neuroscience and animal testing.
Professor Stein explained the experiments he conducted and how he carried out tests on animals to further his understanding of diseases such as Parkinsons. He told us that using animals was very helpful, although he did not enjoy “getting rid of them”.
Although he said that testing on animals has provided many cures, Professor Stein did explain both sides of the argument in terms of using animals in experiments.
Sachin Janagal (9L) |
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Religious Studies
As link Parent Governor for Religious Studies (what I would have called RE when I was at school), I approached my initial visit with some interest and also some preconceptions. These preconceptions have been thoroughly challenged and I have been pleased with the positivity and enthusiasm of the RS team of teachers. I was shown a relevant and interesting curriculum. The department use topical events such as the Costa Concordia to help the children explore a wide range of issues regarding identity, morality and ethics. The curriculum aims to encourage the pupils to consider information beyond their own experience and also to challenge wider societal perceptions regarding not only belief, but other issues that, as adults of the future, our children need to be able to explore. Students are encouraged to undertake project work which enables them to learn about culture and religion and to use also their own imagination and thoughts when they present their understanding of the topics and issues.
Sam Martin—Parent Governor
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Gymnastics Olympic Test Event 2012
On Wednesday 12th January, I went to the O2 to watch the ‘London Prepares’ gymnastics event, which was used as a practice and qualifier for the Olympic games later this year. It formed one of a series of competitions being arranged to finalise the teams competing in several events such as gymnastics, trampolining, diving, swimming, hockey, tennis and athletics.
There were eight teams taking part for the final four places so that they could compete at the Olympics. Great Britain had already qualified last year at the World Championships so did not have to compete. It was a tough and nerve racking competition for the teams because they had a lot of pressure and the four teams to qualify were Italy, France, Canada and Brazil.
Also competing were two Great Britain gymnasts seeking experience for the year running up to the games, one of whom was Jocelyn Hunt (who used to train at my gym club and occasionally trains with me still). It was great to be able to watch her compete at such a high level.
I compete in this sport and it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be able to watch it in the UK. The quality of gymnastics was amazing and has both inspired and encouraged me in my training.
Emily Goss (8G) |
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Community Food Growing Club
This project is open to everyone in the local community. There is no cost attached and, thanks to support from Grow to Eat Well, all seeds, gloves and equipment are supplied. The first meeting will be held at school on Wed 22nd February from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.
For further info, please contact Rosie:
rosieb.gtew@gmail.com.
Tel: 92006417 |
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Uniform Reminder
I would like to remind all parents and pupils that fabric or canvas shoes of any style are not acceptable footwear for school. As the weather becomes warmer and you are considering buying new uniform, please also refer to our rules about skirts and skinny jeans.
All pupils understand our uniform code and know that the school will use sanctions if they do not wear the correct uniform.Thank you for your cooperation - especially to those parents who support us consistently with our high standards of uniform.
Mrs Summers - Deputy Headteacher |
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