19 July 2024

‘All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.’

One of my favourite reads is Tolkien’s fantasy epic Lord of the Rings, a reversed quest focusing on the struggle of good and evil, fate and free will and the danger of power.

The quotation from Gandalf above, for me, provides a perfect summary of what it is to have free will: the opportunity to choose a path in life that, hopefully, will yield opportunity, challenge, friendship, fulfilment and, ultimately, more joy than darkness.

Having now been privileged enough to know the students, the teachers, the support staff and the community of The John Warner School for almost an academic year, I can say clearly that my decision to spend my time with you was one of the best I have taken. This belief was made even more apparent to me on Tuesday afternoon when we learned that the school has been awarded ArtsMark Gold for our commitment to creativity. This is an exceptional achievement and one that pays credit to the work of so many colleagues and also to you, our community, who have supported our students’ endeavours in Art, Textiles, Drama, Music and Dance so fully over the course of the last three years. A particular thank you goes to Lisa Aylott whose sterling work with the Royal Opera House Bridge, Trestle Theatre Company, The Gifted Charity and Lowewood Museum in Hoddesdon has in no small way led to this success.

In keeping with the above, when you read this very ‘bumper Summer edition’ of the school’s newsletter, it is impossible not to be astonished by the sheer scale of individual and group endeavour that goes on every day, showcasing all that is best about our school. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as we have enjoyed composing it.

With very Kind Regards for a happy, healthy and restful holiday period.

Rachel Brindley
Interim Headteacher, The John Warner School

School Trips

KENYA EXPEDITION DEPARTS ✈️ 🌍

Early in the morning on Wednesday 10 July, a group of 22 intrepid explorers, ‘Team Kasa’, left The John Warner School to embark on an expedition to Kenya with Camps International.

The team was accompanied by Miss Wood-Thompson, Mr Creasey and Expedition Leader, Dr Samantha McElligott, who has worked with our school teams since 2015.

Our students will be living outside of their comfort zones experiencing stretch & challenge in unfamiliar territory, creating lasting impact in the communities they will be working in. They will also be enjoying a safari & completing their PADI Open water diving qualification.

Having worked hard collectively to complete 2 years of fundraising to get to this point, our students should be congratulated for their desire to engage in global service while also spreading their own reach and breadth of experience.. Congratulations, it was all worth it. You did it 👏🏼

Geography Enrichment and Fieldwork

Meanwhile students from across the school have been lucky enough to attend a variety of trips to Kew Gardens (Year 7), the Natural History Museum (Year 8) and Walton on the Naze (Year 10 Fieldwork).

On 12 July, Year 7 students embarked on a Geography trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, providing them with an excellent opportunity to explore the wonders of nature and to enhance their understanding of various geographical concepts in a real-world setting.

Throughout the day, students explored sections of the Gardens, a highlight being the visit to the iconic Palm House, a stunning glasshouse that mimics a tropical rainforest environment. The students also had the chance to explore the Princess of Wales Conservatory which showcases ten different climatic zones. This unique conservatory allowed students to observe plants from arid deserts to steamy tropical regions, offering insights into how different plants adapt to their environments. They were also able to explore the Treetop Walkway, an adventurous experience that took them 18 metres above ground level. From this vantage point, they enjoyed breathtaking views of the gardens and gained a new perspective on forest canopy ecology.

Geography Enrichment and Fieldwork

Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award

In keeping with the theme of exploration, following on from a successful Practice Expedition, the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh participants spent a weekend in the latter part of June completing their Qualifying Expedition in the Chilterns. Having spent the last 6 months completing their volunteering, physical and skills section, for many this was the final part required to complete the award.

All students were incredible from start to finish, showing great resilience, teamwork and humour. These qualities undoubtedly enabled them all to complete the expedition successfully. Particularly pleasing was the email received from a member of the public on the Monday morning after the expedition, as follows:

‘Good morning,

‘I just wanted to say that I encountered two of your D of E groups in Ashridge forest on Sunday 8 June. They were exceptionally polite and considerate to other users of the footpaths.

‘Many thanks,

‘Helen Little’

Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award

Elite Readers’ Trip to Harry Potter Studios

The Elite Readers' Trip to the Warner Brothers Studios Harry Potter World was arranged by Mrs Davenport and Mrs Bertolone as a reward for those students whose consistent reading at an 'elite' level above their ages, demonstrates academic performance and commitment to their love of reading.

‘At Harry Potter Studios, I really enjoyed looking at all the sets, for example The Great Hall and Diagon Alley, which looked exactly like they did in the films. There were so many props and costumes on display and the animatronic creatures and special effects were amazing.’ Annabel M

‘I was taken on a magical adventure. An amazing experience where I was gifted a chance to see the outstanding work and surreal effects and mystical aspects of the Harry Potter movies. From the special effect of a ginormous dragon breathing fire towards you to the design and detail that went into the goblins at Gringotts Bank for wizards and witches, my day was filled with astonishment at the detail of work that goes unforeseen in the eight movies.’ Evie C

Accelerated Readers’ Quizzers

School Events

Brilliant Club Graduation Ceremony

Year 9 students who have participated in the Brilliant Club this academic year were honoured to visit St Anne’s College, University of Oxford for their Graduation Ceremony. On The Scholars Programme, students experience university-style learning and develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to go on to, and excel at, the most competitive universities. As part of this, we team up with our university partners to host Launch and Graduation Events.

Our scholars were supported in their academic exploration by James Michael Hepworth from University of Plymouth, a PhD Tutor specialising in the field of ‘CO2 Sequestration in Peridotite, Palaeomagnetism & Geochemistry’.

Of the 7 students who submitted final assignments, 6 attained a 1st or 2.1 with 100% indicating that what they had achieved from the programme would motivate them to keep working hard. Excellent news for all future attainment and progress.

Chefs’ Club Graduation Supper, 2024

On Wednesday 26 June, one of the hottest days of the year(!), parents and Ms Brindley were treated to a 3 course supper, prepared and served by members of the school’s first Chefs’ Club. Over the course of 8 weeks, the students have applied themselves to learning new culinary skills, all of which were on display at a beautifully presented table, laid to Michelin Star standards in the school canteen.

The startlingly hot weather did not phase the 11 young chefs who demonstrated team spirit, discipline and dedication throughout. Two of the girls had even competed in District Sports on the day of the Graduation and made it back in time to help with the Mise-en-place for the event.

Ms Petengell said, ‘It was a pleasure to teach the girls how to cook like a Professional Chef and to pass on vital skills that I had learnt in the industry. It has inspired them to try new foods and even offer to cook for their families at the weekend. I am, along with your families and The John Warner School, really proud of your achievement and I would employ you in my kitchen anytime.’

Ms Brindley presented the girls with a trophy and certificate at the end of the evening.

Chefs’ Club Graduation Supper, 2024

Creative Arts

Wednesday 19 June saw the return of House Music to The John Warner School. Students from across Years 7 to 10 took part with singers, pianists, drummers and guitarists serenading the judges with a variety of music. Highlights of the afternoon were Ella T and Izzie P in Year 8 performing a piano duet of 'Set Fire to the Rain' and Lewis G in Year 10 performing a Grade 8 electric guitar piece. A special thank you goes to Lina who was with us for a week of work experience from Chancellor's School and who accompanied our Year 10 flute student, Mary.

This was followed on Tuesday 2 July, by The John Warner School hosting its annual Creative Arts Summer Showcase, which celebrated the creative talents of students in the fields of art, music, dance and drama. A lovely event, very well attended by the local community, the students who performed did themselves and the school proud.

Year 5 Introductory & Year 6 Transition Day

This summer term, we welcomed Year 5 students from Cranbourne, Roselands, and Forres to participate in our Year 5 Introduction Day. The day provided 160 students from the local community with an opportunity to visit John Warner as part of an introduction to secondary school life and engage in new activities.

After the May half-term, pastoral staff met the new Year 7 students in their primary schools. To conclude a successful Year 6 transition process, the new Year 7 students visited John Warner on July 11. The students participated in a variety of activities with their new form tutor and form group.

The theme for both days was "Let Them Eat Cake!" with all activities linked to cake. In design technology, the students used drills and their creative talents to make cake-shaped pencil holders, and they baked colorful cupcakes in food nutrition and preparation. Things got fiery when they burned cake using Bunsen burners to investigate energy levels in science, finessed their French while ordering croissants at a French café, and discussed the importance of a healthy lifestyle in physical education while playing basketball.

A special thank you to all the staff, both from John Warner and the primary schools, as well as the fabulous student leaders who gave up their time to support these incredibly successful days. The feedback from the Year 5 and Year 6 students has been wonderful, and it has been lovely to hear from older siblings about how much fun their younger brothers and sisters had at John Warner.

We are very excited for the Year 6 students to join us officially as John Warner students in September and look forward to meeting many of the Year 5 students again next year as part of the secondary school transition.

Combined Cadet Force

Eastern Region Army Cadet First Aid Competition

At the beginning of the Summer Term, The John Warner School CCF took part in the Eastern Region Army Cadet First Aid Competition held at Bassingbourn Army Barracks.

The team of 4 cadets (Cadet Lance Corporals Ruby Hogan, Year 9, Amelia De Muynck, Year 9, Jack Davies, Year 9 and Josh Mina, Year 10) departed from school at 08:10 on the day and arrived in good time at Bassingbourn with 2nd Lieutenant Harold Parchment and Captain Stef Ostacchini in overall charge.

Led by team captain Cdt L/Cpl Ruby Hogan, they met their first challenging First Aid scenario involving a room with two injured cadets, one alert but with an injured arm and another with an injury to the head but not responsive. With a strict time limit of 8 minutes the team got into action to treat the two cadets with Cdt L/Cpl Jack Davies and Cdt L/Cpl Josh Mina treating the non-responsive casualty while Cdt L/Cpl Amelia De Muycnk and her team captain asked questions of the responsive casualty. When the paramedic arrived, Cdt L/Cpl Ruby Hogan gave him a detailed handover of the two casualties.

Combined Cadet Force

Sports Day

On Friday 28 June, the entire school gathered for an afternoon of sporting excellence at our annual Sports Day. The weather was perfect and parents cheered enthusiastically from the balcony as our students, adorned with face paint and glitter, prepared to compete.

The event was a resounding success, showcasing outstanding performances from all year groups. Our Year 12 Sports Leaders did a fantastic job, ensuring everything ran smoothly with their positive and fun approach. This year, the addition of the tug of war brought an extra element of fun and spirited competition between houses.

We witnessed some thrilling races, including the exciting staff vs. sixth form relay, which concluded the day.

Notably, three new school records were set:

George Coomes, High Jump: 1m 70cm for Turing House
Joshua Hearne, 1500m: 04:30:52 for Seacole House
Charlie Robertson-Lowe, 1500m: 05:27.00 for Hawking House

Sports Day

All Things STEM

INWED She CanEngineerDay

On 17 June students from Years 7 to 9 attended ‘SheCanEngineer’, a joint effort by multiple Professional Engineering Institutions to encourage more girls to consider engineering careers and to celebrate women in engineering. It consists of a full day of exciting and engaging workshops and activities and takes place at The Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

A workshop led by Learn by Design brought students from several schools across London together in designing a Mars rover which could be operated remotely to collect samples and it was lovely to see over 30 students 100% task focussed on programming their rovers.

Meanwhile a second workshop was led by SheCanEngineer on space station design, showcasing the variety of engineering roles and the broad skill set required by engineers, such as teamwork and negotiation. Students worked together as a team to produce a schematic of a functioning commercial space station and were able to role play as materials engineers, structural engineers and mechanical engineers to realise their idea.

Hoddesdon Technology Tournament

Work Experience Week

Successful Work Experience Week Highlights Student Excellence and Employer Satisfaction

Ably led by Mr Richard Caranese, from 1 to 5 July, our school proudly completed its annual Work Experience Week, an initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world employment.

This week-long event saw our students step out of the classroom and into various professional environments, showcasing their talents and gaining invaluable insights into their potential future careers.

Exemplary Student Performance

Our students excelled in their respective placements, impressing employers with their enthusiasm, adaptability, and professionalism. Notable mentions go to Jamie Swift, who had a placement with Investec. His supervisor praised his ability to quickly grasp complex concepts, describing his contributions as, ‘impactful and a pleasure to have’. Similarly, Brooke Robertson’s time at a nearby cafe was marked by her exceptional teamwork and manner, earning herself both a Saturday and a holiday job.

Sample visits occurred for 50 students and there was nothing but positive feedback. Thank you to local employers such as Volker Fitzpatrick, Hanbury Manor and our local primary schools for allowing our students to thrive and experience the workplace.

Work Experience Week

Student Congratulations

Alongside the group activities exemplified above, a significant number of our students have experienced individual success over the course of the Summer Term. Congratulations go to the following students for exceptional achievement in their chosen fields.

River Bissett in Year 7 has not only won the Local and District rounds of The Rotary Young Environmentalist Competition but her Young Environmentalist Waste Minimisation entry also came second nationally.

As a result, on Monday 8 July, River and her parents, alongside Jill Bertolone, our Librarian and Head of House Activities, enjoyed lunch with the Rotary President, Jean Pegg, at a presentation event in Hoddesdon. The school was also delighted to be presented with a trophy to mark River’s achievement.

Click here for more Student Congratulations

Staff Congratulations

On Thursday 20 June 2024 both Mr Aaron Powala and Ms Stef Curaba graduated with their Diploma in Education and Training certificates. Many congratulations to both colleagues whose energy and commitment make them valued members of our school community. We look forward to hearing of their final step in April 2025 when they are due to complete their QLTS.

Coffee morning for Jen Pope

On 5 July, the school held its annual coffee morning in memory of Jen Pope, a much loved colleague from the school who died of breast cancer during the pandemic. A warm and intimate event, we were delighted that friends and family of Jen congregated together to share stories and memories, all underpinned by the courteous and engaged waiting support of our Year 9 students.

Broxbourne Nursing Home

Following this, on Monday 8 July, students from Years 7 to 10 travelled to Broxbourne Nursing Home, where the residents eagerly awaited our arrival while enjoying their tea and biscuits in the garden.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by an array of beautiful plants that we had purchased thanks to the kind support of University of Oxford whose funding has underpinned our project. Spades and compost at the ready, our students immediately began gardening, doing an amazing job and making it seem as though they had done this before!

Broxbourne Nursing Home

Roselands Primary School

Since receiving the wonderful news that we were successful in being awarded a prestigious Young Changemaker Award, our reading project at Roseland Primary School has gone from strength to strength.

We have effectively revamped their non-fiction library area - just a little bit left to do - and everyone seems immensely happy with the outcome so far. During one of our visits we delivered an array of 82 new books and other resources thus making the school’s non-fiction area eye-catching

6th form students Grace Codlin, Georgia Pegg and Ella Slipper have enjoyed their weekly visits to the school. They have been brilliantly proactive, helping to sort out the library and engaging in one-to-one reading with students from Years 5 and 6.

Roselands Primary School

Headteacher Commendations

At the end of the academic year, it is an absolute delight to award the final Headteacher Commendations for 2023 to 2024. These go to a range of students but all have a common thread: the importance of kindness, community and participation.

Toby Saxon, Year 8, nominated by Ms Adams. Rather than working with his friends, Toby chose to invite another student, who might have found the work very challenging, to work with him while at the Natural History Museum. Having created a model designed to help to protect an ecosystem, both stood up to show and explain their modelling. While Toby spoke, his partner stood by with a very huge and lovely smile on his face.
Libby-May Barnett, Year 12, nominated by Mrs Wootton. Libby is an exceptional young lady who goes above and beyond to support the school, most notably evidenced in her background engagement with the recent Chefs’ Club Supper hosted by Angie Petengell and a variety of students. She can always be relied upon to turn up and do her 'magic', displaying quiet leadership of others, kindness and excellent subject knowledge. Libby truly fits the statement, 'We could not do it without you'.
Ellison Cooper, Year 10. In the midst of significant danger due to a house fire, Ellison was instrumental in alerting family members, supporting evacuation of the home and calling 999 as he was the only one with a phone. He remained calm and collected throughout and has received a commendation from the fire service for his actions. Particular thanks go to Stef Ostachinni and the school’s CCF contingent as Ellison told the fireman, police and paramedics that he had been able to act in the way he did because of his cadet training.

Thank yous

Hi Mrs Walters

Please could you also forward this to Mrs Creasey as well as I don't have her email address.

I just wanted to email and say thank you for all the help you have given me while I've been at John Warner through my exams and college application.

I had an interview at Caple Manor College today regarding the animal management course and I love the college.

They have exotic animals, reptiles and even monkeys and meerkats all on campus and the campus is beautiful and the staff are lovely there and also walk around with dogs!

Although I hate to admit it I will miss John Warner but I can't wait to start college. I wouldn't be where I am today without your help and support and I really appreciate everything so thank you for your patience with me.

If anything with college fails I will definitely attempt to get back into John Warner for sixth form if possible.

Once again thank you for everything.

Lily Viney, Year 11

Vacancies

To explore current opportunities at The John Warner School, click the link below to visit our recruitment page.

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