1. education
2. school

Cherry Grove, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9EY
Tel No: (01202) 871243, Fax No: (01202) 893383
school@fernup.dorset.sch.uk
www.fernup.dorset.sch.uk
Message from the Headteacher
Mr A Wills
It is the time of year to wish all our students who are taking external all
the very best for successful outcomes. This is a stressful time for
students and their families so do keep in contact with the school and
House offices if you have any questions about preparation for exams,
revision workshops or support for your child. As always, there is
information on our website about opportunities for students over the
next few weeks so we hope that they will make the most of the 2 week
break to do plenty of revision and practice in preparation for the
exams; we have given them lots of advice about how to do this.
Parent Focus Group
The last meeting of this group was held on Thursday 5/3/15. At the
meeting Mr Redwood gave parents an overview of changes to post-16
education which included new A Level specifications, changes to AS
Level, option choices and 6th Form ethos. He referred to the
enrichment programme on Wednesday afternoons and the teams of students, including Principal students
and subject team leaders, who are given various responsibilities so that they still play a part in the school
as a whole.
Parents asked a number of specific questions about whether courses would run in the 6 th Form (these
included A Level Music and PE and a possible core Maths qualification). We emphasised that, although we
try to put on a curriculum that is attractive to students and meets their needs, we must also be mindful of
cost effectiveness. In other words, we cannot run courses if only one or two students sign up for them. To
be really viable courses we should have 6 or more students on the register although even this can vary depending
on the expense of the course and its success rate.
There was a discussion about whether the 6th Form should wear business dress and parents had mixed views about
this. Some thought there should be occasional days to prepare the young people for the world of work. The point
was even made that we should teach our 6th formers to iron their own clothes!
….con’t
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...con’t
Another question related to whether the school knows where all the Year 11 students go after they had finished
that year? We said that, in September, we ring up the students who, as far as we know, are not placed anywhere
(either in 6th Form college or workplace with training) just to be sure that nobody is without a placement.
At the request of Governors, we asked parents what they would feel about only using card payment for school
activities and not cash or cheques? The majority felt that this was fine but advised that we should retain the ability
for the minority to come in and pay if that was the only way they could do so. A parent asked if ParentMail tops up
on cashless catering if it comes to a minimum? Unfortunately, if the balance on a student’s cashless catering card
runs out, it does not automatically top up as, currently, there is no facility to arrange this.
The next meeting of the Parent Focus Group will be held on Thursday 23/4/15 at 6pm.
FUS Going Cashless
Mrs C Lalani
In March we consulted with the Parent Focus Group on whether we should become a cashless school. They
agreed that we should do this and that some of our feeder schools are already cashless too, therefore many
parents are used to it.
This means that we will no longer accept cash or cheques as payment for the majority of items such as trips,
canteen food etc. except in exceptional circumstances. We will be phasing this in, beginning with Year 9 as from
after half term (1st June). All items can be paid for (including top ups to your child’s catering fob) online via
Parentmail2 for which you will need a login, if you have never used it before. This can be obtained by emailing
reception@fernup.dorset.sch.uk stating your child’s name. Of course you can begin using this facility immediately
if you wish and the sooner you set yourself up, the sooner you will realise the benefit of not having to send your
child into school with cash or a cheque that can easily be lost.
Matty Waine Y10 & James Linney Y9
Greenpower is a group that aim to inspire engineering throughout the
country in schools. The Formula24 event is set around a task where
students have to design and build a battery powered cars to race around
national race courses and compete against other schools.
Keen technology students at FUS have already started building their latest
edition. We have a core team of six engineers at the moment. All from
different years; Ryan Wilson, Bailey Tuttiett, Matty Waine, Sam Grigsby,
David Ball, James Linney supported by Mr Titterington and the sponsorship
of ‘Siemens’ Poole. We have currently been manufacturing the chassis
(frame). We have cut out and made the main part all by hand by the
students and we are now figuring out what is the best position for the seat.
We will also be learning about aerodynamics and gear box ratios this year,
all of which affect the speed of the car. We are aiming to compete in the
local area in June/July. More updates to follow soon!
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Mrs R Wedge
Retiring this term
Dear Students and Families
After nearly 40 yrs. teaching (25 of them at FUS) I have decided to retire.
Although I am an old Bournemouth Grammar School girl, my first teaching
post was in the East End of London in a mixed Social Priority School, a
deprived area which paid extra ‘danger’ money! In my first term I
remember an eerily silent Yr. 11 lesson after lunch, but within minutes
there were desks flying across the room! Needless to say I survived &
thoroughly enjoyed my 7 years there; the majority of young people are
adorable.
My next post was in an incredibly posh, high-achieving ex-grammar school,
totally different but also highly rewarding. I returned to Dorset after 3 years
and taught in the old Carter Community School in Hamworthy, before finally ending up at FUS.
I have been incredibly fortunate to have chosen a career that I feel passionate about and is also so rewarding. My
students have really done me proud, in their positive attitudes, hard work and outstanding achievements. There
have been the few odd moments when I have had to threaten or chase with the infamous handbag, but the vast
majority of time has been so much fun!
It’s wonderful to think how many students I have taught who have chosen to teach Ethics & Philosophy, others
who have entered the Medical profession, the Law, Science or Maths and a great variety of other careers. One of
the great stresses, but also a source of great joy, was my role as a sixth-form tutor, helping students with their
Personal Statements and UCAS applications.
Some of my fondest memories are of the Yr. 13 Ethics’
barbecues held at my house for the past 20 years, often
starting in the afternoon and continuing after midnight!
My husband never failed to be amazed by how wonderful
my students are. Other happy times have been the
amazing Yr.13 Graduation ceremonies followed by the
Proms.
It is with great sadness that I say goodbye. I would like to
thank my students for the fantastic time I have had and
wish them all the best in the future. Please keep in touch
and let me know any of your news.
Much love, Ruth Wedge.
School Patrol Officer Wanted
The Road Safety Team at Dorset County Council were unable to recruit a Patrol Officer for
Church Road and therefore it is currently not being manned.
If you would like more information, or to apply for the position, please contact Alan Proctor
at Dorset County Council on 01305 221710 or alan.proctor@dorsetcc.gov.uk
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Journalism Work Experience
Joe Macey, Year 13
Over February half term I undertook 3 days work experience at the Somerset County
Gazette. I found this especially exciting as I have a conditional offer to study Sports
Journalism at Falmouth University in September and this has already given me a
fantastic foundation to build on.
During my work experience I worked on a wide variety of articles including a writing
club’s twist on 50 Shades of Grey, and local football and rugby news (the latter I cowrote with my grandfather who is a journalist).
The main piece I worked on was a feature article on the reopening of a raised road to
protect Muchelney from future floods. My article was also published online, which I am
extremely proud of. I’m excited to start my course in September and to work on more articles in the future.
Solar Eclipse 20/3/15
Ms N Abdulgani
Many FUS students were given permission to go outside to view a
glimpse of the rare solar eclipse. The science teachers in particular
deigned their lessons around the exciting event. Sadly the South
was thick with cloud cover and nothing could be seen that day.
Despite the disappointment, the students enjoyed learning about
the solar eclipse and how to view it safely if they get the chance
again in the future. Pictured left: Chelsie Taylor and Tom Vincent
helpfully showing where the eclipse should have taken place!
We have a small amount of second hand uniform for sale from reception.
Also if anybody would like to donate blazers, blouses, ties and pe kit then please drop off to reception
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Ferndown Upper School staff and students never let an opportunity
go by to have fun for charity, and this year’s Comic Relief event
organised by Sam Milsom and Sam Harvell (Y12) was no exception.
Rebecca Lewis (Y13) and Leah James (Y12) sold Red Noses
throughout the week which most of the crowd were wearing when
they turned up in the Hall to watch 3 teams battle it out in The
Ultimate Pie Eating Contest: Staff Team (Mr Redwood, Mr Martin
and Mr Slater), Y9-10 Team (Sean Dennis, Ryan Wilson and Stacy
Stevens) and Sixth Form Team (Ben Tilley, Dylan Meaney and Jake
Keyms-Burgess).
The tension was high as Mr Evans introduced the competitors and announced the rules; hands behind backs and
plates must be clean! The countdown started, a roar from the crowd and the teams plunged their faces down into
the pies! Barely a minute had passed and we had a winner! Mr Redwood rose from the mountain of cream with a
majestic shake of his head and a victorious fist pump. Next up was Mr Martin, followed by Sean Dennis. The first
team to complete the challenge was the Staff Team. Well done to all who took part and raised £542 For Comic Relief.
Clockwise from top left: Staff Team, Years 9-10 Team, Sixth Form Team, Mr Martin & Mr Slater post-contest.
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Once again, our year 10 students had a fantastic time in Barcelona, where they had the opportunity to see, try and do
new things everyday while they absorbed the culture and the language in the country where it’s spoken. When we
asked some of them if they would recommend this experience to others, some of the answers were “I’d definitely
recommend this trip because you visit amazing places, make new friends, have loads of fun and it’s an experience I will
never forget J” .
We visited places such as Torres Vineyards, the Mountains and Monastery of Montserrat, Montjuic, Camp Nou (FC
Barcelona Stadium), the Olimpic Stadium, Las Ramblas, Sagrada Familia, Plaza de España, La Boqueria Market, Mare
Magnum Port, and a few other
surprises. We also went to a Spanish
cinema to watch a film in Spanish
with the locals, had some Latin dance
lessons, enjoyed the indoor pool and
Jacuzzi, did lots of shopping and tried
the most amazing food!
Our Reps.in Barcelona sent Mr Wills a
letter congratulating our school for
our students’ exemplary behaviour
and enthusiasm. They were amazing,
and they had a fantastic time.
We still have a few spaces available
for our new visit in February 2016,
so come and see me for more
information.
Mrs Moyano, Teacher of Spanish
To Whom it May Concern
We felt that it was important to write to you regarding the students behaviour whilst in Barcelona on their annual
educational trip.
Quite frankly in the fifteen years of conducting trips in Barcelona with schools from all over the UK, your students
were simply the BEST in all areas. We have some fantastic schools from the UK and to be the BEST in all areas is really
an outstanding achievement, the students should be whole heartedly congratulated.
Interested and interesting in all that we had to show and present to them. Polite, considerate, well mannered, caring
and mature. It is our objective to make the students feel welcome and well cared for, your students turned the tables
on us and made us feel welcome and completely well cared for. From the moment that they arrived at Barcelona
airport they made Spanish Star feel a part of Ferndown School, a very special privilege. Your staff are exceptional and
the students clearly know that they are in the care of adults who are enthusiastic and energetic in all that they teach.
The guidelines and expectations are also very clear and the students respond to staff that they completely
respect and admire. Please congratulate every student on our behalf!
Kind Regards, Besos para todas los estudiantes
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Budding entrepreneurs and young professionals from Ferndown Upper School joined forces with other young people as a
groundbreaking model for business education founded in Weymouth prepares to go national.
Students and staff from Ferndown Upper
School’s Centre of Excellence for Industrial
Liaison (CEIL) attended an educational business
event held at Budmouth College for students to
help them create a blueprint for their future
careers.
Ferndown Upper School’s CEIL manager Cindy
Lalani said “CEIL, is designed as a business
centre to prepare sixth formers for the world of
work and offers them the chance to work with
local businesses on various projects to enhance
their CVs and employability skills. Employers
nationally are reporting that students are not
ready for the world of work and don’t have the right skills. The CEIL programme aims to directly target this problem by
giving students opportunities to develop these ‘soft skills’ such as organising and running meetings and presentations,
dealing with customers, making phone calls etc. The whole idea of the day was to enable the CEIL students and staff to
work together in a professional business setting, sharing best practice and shaping and developing the future CEIL
programme. It was a very successful day and we all came away feeling positive about the future”.
If you are a local business and would like to be involved in the CEIL programme at Ferndown Upper School please contact
Cindy Lalani at the school.
Y9 Sexual Health & BLITZ
Mrs S Stroud
In recent weeks Year 9 students have taken part in a range of activities which
support their development and understanding of a range of topics.
We have been fortunate to have had a variety of visiting experts in school offering
students practical workshops and drama productions on topics such as:
Sexual Health including STIs * Contraception * Alcohol and Drugs * The role of
the police and how the police work with young people * The role of the Fire
Service
Students welcomed the opportunity to get involved and ask questions as well as complete ‘before and after’ surveys
to gauge the impact on their learning and development.
We would like to thank all our visitors from Shadows, SSCT, Fire Service and the Local Health Authority who gave up
their time to support our year 9s.
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Mrs V Lloyd-Smith
Study Centre Activities
FUS took World Book Day to a whole new level, with 5 days of literacy related activities, including Spelling
Spectacular, a Book Wrap challenge, Staff Vs Students quiz and creative writing activities. Of course, there was
the ubiquitous dress up event on World Book Day itself, where over 200 staff and students took on the persona of
hero or a villain for the day, reflecting our theme of the week.
Using the tag line “Let Battle Commence”, there was fierce competition between students throughout the week,
with prizes awarded to individuals and groups in a number of categories.
Final results of Book Week inter-house tournament :
1st : Red (188 points)
2nd: Green (147 points)
3rd: Purple (113 points)
Winning tutor group: R8 DHO
Winner of Spelling Spectacular – G7 Harry Miller and Acia Fellowes
Winner of Staff v Student Quiz – Staff – Ellie Williams and Connor Natella
Winner of limerick competition: P5
Winner of WordWheel competition: G3
Winner of Treasure Hunt: R4
Student attending most events: Chrystyn MacQueen P7
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EARN
AROUND
£120 PER
WEEK!
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Wednesday 25 March
Thursday 26 March
Friday 27 March
6th Form Teacher Consultation Evening
Trip to Opera
Mufti Day for Diabetes UK
Mon 30 March - Fri 10 April
Easter Holiday
Tues 14, Thur 16, Fri 17 April
Wednesday 15 April
Monday 4 May
Mon 11 May-Fri 5 June
Tuesday 12 May
Friday 22 May
Friday 22 May
6th Form Mocks
UCAS Convention at Bmth Uni for Y12
Bank Holiday
Year 12 Study Leave
6pm Full Governors’ Meeting
Mufti Day for ‘Bournemouth Soup Kitchen’
Year 13 Last Day
Mon 25 May-Fri 29 May
May Half-Term Holiday
Friday 15 May
Tuesday 23 June
Wednesday 24 June
Friday 26 June
Friday 26 June
w/c Monday 29 June
w/c Monday 29 June
Tuesday 14 July
Friday 3rd July
Mon 6-Fri 10 July
Thursday 9 July
Thur 9 July—Fri 10 July
Monday 13 July
Wednesday 15 July
Friday 17 July
Year 11 last day
Music Festival
Sports Day
Year 12 Progression Day
Year 11 Prom 5pm-11.30pm
Year 10 Mock Exams
Summer Arts Show
6pm Full Governors’ Meeting
Year 13 Graduation and Prom
Year 10 Work Experience
Year 8 Parents’ Evening
Year 8 Transfer Days
Poole Town Sports Athletics
Year 10 Studland Trip
Mufti Day for ‘Riding for the Disabled’
Friday 17 July
Last day before Summer holidays, finish 12.10pm
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