1. education
2. school

 The Cannon OCTOBER 2014 ‘ABOVE AND BEYOND’ activities to extend their understanding of each of their
chosen A Level subjects; the purpose of this programme is
to increase individual’s confidence and ability to gain higher
grades in next year’s public examinations as well widening
their awareness of career opportunities linked to each
subject.
The first term in any academic year is always busy: new
classes, new teachers, and new opportunities for curricular
and extra-curricular activities. Term 1 in 2014-2015 has
been no exception. In the following pages some of our
students share the many activities which have taken place
This week will see the publication of the first profile for this
over the last 7 weeks, many of which support learning and
academic year. Mr Reader, Assistant Headteacher i/c
extend the curriculum. At the same time, of course, ‘normal’
Assessment and Reporting, has already written to you
lessons have been taking place.
regarding the new ‘Engagement for Learning’ assessment
and criteria. These criteria continue the ‘Above and
New members of the Fort Pitt community have settled in
Beyond’ theme; to achieve the highest (1) grade an
well. Our new Year 7 and Year 12 students are now
individual should be prepared to be fully involved in the
established in their new surroundings and are making the
learning experience and increasingly take responsibility for
most of the opportunities available to them. Our new
her/his progress. I hope that your daughter/son will
teachers are making excellent contributions to students’
consider what she/he needs to do in order to achieve the
learning: in September we welcomed Miss Hanley
highest ‘engagement’ grades.
(Business Studies and Head of Ryder House), Mr Chenu
(Languages), Ms Ferreira (Languages) and Mr Jhuboo
Students from every year group, years 7 and 8 in
(Mathematics).
particular, really went ‘Above and Beyond’ last week when
they acted as excellent ambassadors for Fort Pitt at our
Earlier this term we welcomed parents to a series of
very successful Open Evening. May I thank you if you
Information Evenings – for Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12.
allowed your daughter to contribute to what proved to be a
These evenings which aimed to share our practice and
very busy evening; so many visitors complimented the
expectations for these students who were starting a ‘new
guides on their conduct and appearance. We are now in
stage’ of their Fort Pitt career, resulted in some very
the midst of our Open Mornings with students conducting
positive feedback from the many parents who attended.
Our programme of Parents’ Consultation Evenings begins tours and speaking to visitors in a very professional and
with Year 10 on 13th November; I hope to meet more of you positive manner which makes me extremely proud of them!
on these occasions when an individual’s academic
Throughout this busy term our Student House Leadership
progress can be discussed.
teams have been working hard to produce their House’s
contribution to the House Arts Cup competition. Senior
Many of the articles within this newsletter feature ‘Above
students have written scripts, held auditions, directed
and Beyond’ activities – activities which support our
actors, choreographed dancers, conducted musicians and
students’ personal and academic development. Our older
students, sixth formers in particular, realise that making the designed stage sets …………all of this whilst completing
their academic studies! The results are very impressive
most of any opportunities which puts them ‘ahead of the
with a large number of students becoming involved (a
crowd’ can only be of benefit in the future; hence, for
example, placements at law, science and property ‘summer Challenge 15 activity for many). The performances take
place on Friday, an event which reinforces a real sense of
schools’ have been undertaken. Students appreciate the
need to be proactive when considering personal and career community within Fort Pitt and brings Term 1 to an
enjoyable, fun-filled (and very noisy) conclusion.
development. That’s a mindset we are trying to instil with
our younger students: the ‘Challenge 15’ scheme has been
I wish you and your family a restful Autumn break.
extended to Year 9, enabling members of this year group
to be the first to complete 15 challenges before they are
Carol Winn
15!
The theme of ‘Above and Beyond’ has been applied to our
academic work, too. Year 12 students now have a list of
Fort Pi Grammar School, Fort Pi Hill, Chatham, Kent ME4 6TJ The Cannon OCTOBER 2014 GOING ‘ABOVE AND BEYOND’ NUFFIELD RESEARCH IN THE SIXTH FORM PLACEMENT Taking part in the Nuffield Research Placement was the best decision I could have made. So many doors are opened to you
through taking part in this placement; I didn’t even realise the great opportunities that I would be exposed to by taking part. As
well as having amazing work experience for you to put on your personal statement. If you are really serious about your STEM
subjects you will meet a lot of people who can take you to that next level, and give you an advantage over other students (your
competition when you apply for a university place or employment)!
Many people apply for these placements so competition is fierce. If you get a placement you should consider yourself to be
extremely lucky! If you want to take this opportunity Mrs Hargreaves will be able to give you some advice on your application. It’s
an online application on the Nuffield website, and they provide a lot of guidance as to what you should include. Placements last
for around 4-6 weeks in the summer, but don’t let the time be a reason for you to not take part!
On my placement I was working with a PhD student from the Greenwich University School of Science. At the beginning of my
placement Ihalf the words she was using were alien to me, but by the end I was using the same terms myself. I learnt how to use
a lot of professional equipment independently and was able to be left on my own to get on with work I had been set. I was using
centrifuges, PCR Machines; extracting DNA and RNA, making cDNA and looking at cells through microscopes. I learnt a lot of
new terms and techniques. I had a really good time on my placement and met so many lovely supportive people. To anyone
thinking of applying, I would say not to hesitate; go for it, as it is a fantastic opportunity!
Paris Tomlinson – Year 13
THE ALLEN AND OVERY EXPERIENCE I recently did a work placement with the Allen and Overy law firm, which is an international law firm that specialises in corporation
deals and law suits and litigation.
I was trying to look for a new work placement that dealt with the area of law that I wanted to study when I entered university
(Human Rights). Compared to all the others I searched, Allen and Overy was the only law firm that was offering work experience
for anyone who was not local. The only problem (if you want to think of it in that way) was that there was a competition to allocate
spaces through a website called MyKindaCrowd. The challenge was to create or develop a law that we thought would benefit
society. For my application I wrote about redeveloping the Human Rights Act 1998 to include an article that regulated
government activities, in order to safeguard the rights of citizens. A few days later I found out that I had been awarded a place
for the work experience. Unfortunately there was another catch: I hadn’t actually got a definite place on the work experience, but I
had been shortlisted. The only way to get a place on the actual work placement was to attend the ‘Smart Start ‘experience
Assessment day to compete with other students to get a placement.
After getting lost for an hour in London, I had to compete with 220 other students for one of the 60 spots on the work experience.
After a long day of group activities and creating our own business products I found out that I has been selected for the work
experience for a week.
During the placement we learnt about the way Allen and Overy works, ways to improve our techniques for litigation, how to ace
an interview and write a good CV. We even did a mock trial, where I had the chance to be a barrister for my team. And we also
did a business merger negotiation. We also learnt how to improve our presentation skills and how to network, and to help us
practice what we learnt we had a networking session with associates and members of Allen and Overy. In addition we had to
present one of the laws we wrote about in the application to an audience, for my group we did an act that was pro-euthanasia.
Thanks to this I now have contacts with people who are barristers, solicitors and who attended the United Nations University in
Tokyo. So despite the firm not being exactly the firm I wanted it to be I did benefit greatly from it.
Although this was quite a hectic week, as I had to travel to and from London, it was worth it due to the contacts that I made. My
group won a trip to a human rights/law conference at the University for Sussex for 2 nights in August.
I learnt so much from this. It gave me a larger insight into the work of a solicitor or barrister and has also motivated me even
more to achieve my career goal. There were also hidden benefits, since I now have a mentor from the firm who can help me with
my personal statement and answer any queries I have. I also will be invited back to the firm for master classes such as writing a
good personal statement and there is a graduate programme that will hopefully get me some training before I can properly
qualify as a barrister. I also have the chance to apply for a grant of up to £6,000 for university.
This experience has opened so many doors for me already and has given me a lot of contacts (not to mention new friends) and
there are even more benefits such as help during and after university and possibilities to work anywhere in the firm (including
abroad) in the graduate programme. You don’t have to be studying law to do this experience, many students studying
Psychology or Business also benefitted. I would recommend this to anyone who aspires to a career in law. So really there is no
excuse, go for it, you will not regret it.
Poonam Shokar
Fort Pi Grammar School, Fort Pi Hill, Chatham, Kent ME4 6TJ Page 2 The Cannon OCTOBER 2014 MORE ‘ABOVE AND BEYOND’ ‘PATHWAYS TO PROPERTY’ SUMMER SCHOOL, HENLEY BUSINESS SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY OF READING. 20‐23RD JULY 2014. Outline the placement There were around 90 students at this Summer School and we had the opportunity to stay in the flats at the university, which was a great experience. The applica on process involved wri ng a personal statement including why you were interested in a ending the summer school and what quali es you had that could set you apart from other applicants. Why did you apply to/a end this placement? I have always been interested in property and at one point I thought becoming an estate agent could be the perfect career for me. A er receiving an email from Miss Lester one day, I thought I would apply for the Summer School, because not only would it fill in the gaps regarding the opportuni es there could be for a career in the property industry but it sounded like fun at the same me! I did not expect to be accepted into the Summer School when I applied but I was so ecsta c when I found out I had got a place and glad that I even applied in the first place. What did you do while at the university? I got the train to Reading on Sunday 20th July and was greeted by the ambassadors who were all really friendly. I did not know anybody there so it was a li le nerve‐racking at first but I found most people were in the same posi on, and was quick to make friends. A er the short bus journey to the University, we had a briefing on what was expected of us whilst we were there and were put into teams. Over the 3 days we had to work within our teams towards the ‘Big Debate – This house believes that new housing development at Island Road is a bad idea’. We needed to come up with a 5 minute presenta on to present to he other teams and some important people who worked in the industry who had come especially to watch us. Although we had the presenta ons to think about, many site visits and team building ac vi es had been organised by the Summer School. We went to Windsor Great Park, Green Park – a business park and a shopping centre. All were really interes ng and it was great to be able to get out and learn about real estate first hand. We also went to the Hollywood Bowl, had a film night and played many games of rounders and football. Besides that I met some really great people. What knowledge and skills have you developed? Whilst at the university I really felt that I had increased my confidence even further; being able to talk to new people is something I feel very comfortable doing now. Working within a team is something we had to be very good at in order to come up with the presenta on and pu ng myself forward as a speaker for our group is something I took pride in. How will these help you in your future endeavours? The skills and knowledge I have gained will certainly help me when I go on to study real estate at university. There are many things I have learnt that can give me an advantage over someone else who hasn’t experienced what I did at the Summer School. Through ‘Pathways to Property’ I have been offered a work experience placement at a property firm in London, where I can develop these skills and learn much more about the industry! Would you recommend this to other students and what advice would you give someone thinking about going ‘above and beyond’ and doing a similar placement? Taking part in the summer school was probably one of the best things I have ever done. It has given me the confidence to move on with my future as I am now certain a career in real estate is definitely for me. Not only was the whole experience so much fun but I got the chance to meet some great people who I know I will con nue to keep in contact with. The best advice I can give to someone who is considering going ‘above and beyond’ is to take any opportunity you are given. Actually go out there and do ‘stuff’ it’s highly rewarding and you never know where it can lead you. Jessica Austen Fort Pi Grammar School, Fort Pi Hill, Chatham, Kent ME4 6TJ Page 3 The Cannon OCTOBER 2014 PE NEWS
A great start to the year for sport. Our girls Rowing teams
entered the SSG tournament and year 7-10 came second with
Year 11 and sixth form team winning the competition.
The Football season has also got off to a flying start with the
U13 team getting through to the next round of the Kent cup
and the U16 team beating St. John Fisher by 14 goals to 1.
Good luck in the next stages!
During the summer the sixth form P.E. prefects travelled down
to Tunbridge Wells to collect Fort Pitt’s award for contribution
to PE. It was a fantastic celebration event with students from
all over Kent performing in a talent show judged by no other
than Craig Revel Horwood!
Miss Mullens - Head of PE
ROWERS IN ACTION! SUCESSFUL FOOTBALL TEAM ROWING SQUADS CELEBRATE FIRST & SECOND PLACES Fort Pi Grammar School, Fort Pi Hill, Chatham, Kent ME4 6TJ Page 4 The Cannon OCTOBER 2014 BUSHCRAFT DAY We were due to participate in a ‘Challenge
Day’ which was cancelled at the last minute
by the organisation. As compensation we
participated in a bush craft day. This
consisted of learning many survival skills
including:

Learning the importance of creating a
fire

How to make and sustain a fire

Foods that are safe to eat

Materials that would be useful as a
source of survival
The most interesting part of the day for me
was learning how useful common materials
can be. For example, the use of green moss found around the base of trees (lichen) can be
used as a wound dressing as it contains a natural antiseptic. Also we found a variety of ways to
start fires; for example, rubbing wire wool against a phone battery ignites a spark that will help a
fire to start burning. This technique also uses very little battery!
I enjoyed this day and found many of the skills I have learnt useful. I think that I will be able to
use these skills since my mum often gets lost and ends up in deserted places! I would like to
participate in another day like this one as I found it a
great experience.
Cydnee McCall – Year 10
Fort Pi Grammar School, Fort Pi Hill, Chatham, Kent ME4 6TJ Page 5 The Cannon OCTOBER 2014 YEAR 7 ACTIVITY DAY! My experience of this exci ng day: When we first got to Buckmore Park I was really excited. I was ready
to get muddy, EXTREMELY MUDDY! We got the bus there and I sat
next to a girl, I cannot remember what her name was, but she was
really good fun. When we got off the bus, we started to walk up a path
made out of sticks and massive logs. At the top of the path, waiting to
greet us, stood the representatives of Buckmore Park. The leaders all
introduced themselves. Soon, we were put into our teams …
I was on ‘Team Eadie’ with (of course) Eadie, Jessica, Imogen E,
Imogen D, Sydney, Olivia, Libby and some other girls - I cannot
remember their names. After the leaders went through the safety
rules, we headed off to our activities.
Our first activity was a bit like a trust test. Some of us had to wear a gas mask which you could not see through; I
was one of the lucky people. Some people did not go into the rope maze but they had to guide us through the
ropes. There were two people who could see through the gas masks and they helped to guide us as well. We
stepped inside the rope maze, my heart skipped a beat. To be honest, it was pretty scary going in, blindfolded. But
we got through it. This was my least favourite activity. We had great fun cooking bread to our own recipes and
design.
My favourite activity was the spider’s web. We all had to go through
separate holes and after one person went through that hole, you could not
go through it again. I went through the middle hole but everyone had to
pick me up. It was really cool.
I can’t really remember the rest of the activities but they were really good
fun. Soon we got told our results. We came second - only six points away
from the winners! It was great.
On the way home I sat next to Saffron, my bus buddy. We played games and had a laugh. Then we were kind of
sad because our wonderful day was almost over. It was a great day. I hope next year’s Year 7 will enjoy it too!
Faye Button 7L3
ACTIVITY DAY FOR YEAR 7 2014! On Friday the 26th of September 2014, Year 7 went to Buckmore Park, not to race! We went to have an activity
day. We started the day by finding out which group we were in. After we found out the groups we got on the bus. It
was a massive double-decker bus and everyone was making lots of noise! After we got to Buckmore Park we went
and put our bags down on one side of the big field, after that we found out our first activity.
My favourite activity was probably the big activity course in the middle of the massive field. Firstly, you had to walk
like a pigeon (putting one foot in front of the other) along a piece of wood, then you had to dive under a piece of
army net. After that you went up some high wooden steps and jumped off, you then had to crawl under a low bar,
climb over a high bar and then crawl under another low bar, after, you had to crawl through a big tunnel, nearly at
the end, you had to run through loads of poles. You were against another team when you were doing this, so there
were two of every obstacle, except the last one which was another tunnel. I was first there which made me
extremely happy! Finally, you had to sprint back down to let the other person go.
I really enjoyed Activity Day, I hope next year’s Year 7 have an even better day than we did. I would definitely do it
again!
Heather Bullivant 7L2
Fort Pi Grammar School, Fort Pi Hill, Chatham, Kent ME4 6TJ Page 6 The Cannon OCTOBER 2014 ARE YOU MAKING THE MOST OF THE MUSICAL OPPORTUNITIES ON OFFER TO YOU AT FORT PITT?? MUSIC CLUBS AND GROUPS – Open to all students so please come along and join us!
Mondays
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Thursdays
Fridays
1.15pm
1.30pm
1.25pm
1.25pm
3.10pm
1.25pm
1.25pm
1.25pm
3.10pm
1.30pm
1.15pm
Intermediate Ukulele Group
Beginner Ukulele Group
Bella Canta Vocal Group (Week B only)
Flute Choir
Orchestra
Keyboard Club (Week A only)
Voiceworks Choir
GCSE Choir
Crusader Band
Single Reed Group
GCSE Music Support Surgery
MUSIC EXAM SUCCESS Congratulations to the following students who passed music exams in the Summer – well done!
Alyssia Osborn Yr 8 –
Flute Copper Music Medal
Emily Croucher Yr 8 –
Grade 1 Flute
Lucy Sherburn Yr 9 –
Grade 4 Flute
Louisa Frost Yr 11 –
Grade 4 Piano
Rebecca Tutt Yr 13 –
Grade 5 Piano
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY …………..
Listen out for Fort Pitt students performing at the switching on of the Christmas Lights in Rochester on Saturday 15th November
at the Guildhall and on Sunday 7th December at the Dicken’s Festival!
Fort Pitt Grammar School Christmas Concert 7pm on Thursday 11th December 2014
BBC PROMS GCSE MUSIC TRIP – TUESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2014 I woke up on Tuesday morning feeling extremely excited as I was going to the BBC Proms today! I was looking forward to it very
much as this was the first school trip with the music department and as I helped organise it, I was very excited as the wait was
finally over. Once school had finished we all got changed and got the train to London. The train journey was nice and relaxed but
the underground was a different story. Never go to London on a school trip during rush hour – it’s scary! Once we had all arrived
at the restaurant we all waited for our food and everybody was relaxed and sitting with their friends, the atmosphere was very
comfortable and I very much enjoyed eating pizza with my friends. The restaurant and the food was lovely; however, I think
being in a class where everybody is friends and are always laughing, made it that extra bit special.
When everybody had finished their food it was time for the short walk to the Royal Albert Hall, a place I had wanted to visit for a
while now, and I was excited to say the least. We powerwalked all the way there, and I was blown away by how beautiful the
building truly was. Pictures do not capture the detail on the inside of the room. Once everybody was seated the show started and
the Orchestra filed into their seats and filled the room with the sounds of American music by Copland, which was not as bad as I
first thought! It was exciting but for most parts extremely relaxing and most of the class were found with their eyes closed, but in
a good way, enjoying the music with their ears and relaxing into it. As the music got quieter, it stayed that way and then
suddenly got very loud and made Rebecca jump and it was honestly the funniest thing that happened that night, and it was very
hard to keep the laughter in, especially when the whole room was silent – focused on the music.
My favourite part of the night was when the group ‘Time for Three’ came out in the second half, playing exciting upbeat jazz
music, grabbing everyone’s attention and changing the whole atmosphere in the room. I was very sad when the night ended.
However, it was one of the best concerts I have been to, and I am very grateful to have been able to have the opportunity to go
with some close friends too.
I want to thank Miss Langford, Miss Clements and Mrs Jeffreys for taking us to London and making the night so enjoyable for us
all.
Chelsey Blow
Fort Pi Grammar School, Fort Pi Hill, Chatham, Kent ME4 6TJ Page 7 The Cannon OCTOBER 2014 CHALLENGE 15 AWARDS CALLING ALL YEAR 7s! HOW ARE YOU GETTING ON WITH YOUR BRONZE AWARD? By the end of Year 7 you need to have completed your five Bronze Award Challenges. Share your
progress with your form tutor who can log your activities on Eportal.
Challenge yourself and have fun!
CHALLENGE 15 BRONZE AWARD CHALLENGES
1
2
3.
4.
5
Extra Curricular
Attend a lunch time or after school club for two terms, or attend three enrichment sessions during
the year
Read it!
Read a book from the Year 7 Library list and write a review of it for the Challenge 15 Notice board
and web page (see Sharepoint VLE for the Book List)
Take part in a House Activity
Visit a local tourist attraction and send us a postcard!
Perform a Good Citizen Task
Suggested activities include – volunteer to be your Tutor Group School Council representative, or
Social Service Representative, organise a charity event, support a school event such as a sporting
fixture, the Art Exhibition or a concert, volunteer some of your free time to help an elderly friend
CALLING ALL YEAR 8s! HOW ARE YOU GETTING ON WITH YOUR SILVER AWARD? By the end of Year 8 you need to have completed your five Silver Award Challenges. Don’t forget to
share your progress with your form tutor, who can log your activities on Eportal.
Go for it! Challenge yourself and have fun!
CHALLENGE 15 SILVER AWARD CHALLENGES
1.
2.
3.
4
5
Go Green!
Suggestions: Make something out of recycled materials
Make a flower arrangement or table decoration for the Head Teacher’s Tea Party in September
Cook It!
Make homemade cakes, biscuits or savouries for your Tutor Group for one of the extended form
periods this year
Write a Challenge 15 Award Song or Poem
Extra-Curricular
Attend a lunch time or after school club for two terms, or attend three enrichment sessions during
the year
Take part in a House Activity
Any queries please get in touch with Miss Langford: clangford@fortpitt.medway.sch.uk
Fort Pi Grammar School, Fort Pi Hill, Chatham, Kent ME4 6TJ Page 8 The Cannon OCTOBER 2014 CALLING ALL YEAR 9s! HOW ARE YOU GETTING ON WITH YOUR GOLD AWARD? By the end of Year 9 you need to have completed your five Gold Award Challenges. Share your
progress with your form tutor who can log your activities on Eportal.
Challenge yourself and have fun to complete ‘15 Before You Are 15’!
Challenge 15 Gold Award Challenges
1
2
3
4
5
‘Here to Help’
Be a support buddy to a younger student in your tutor group or help a department in school. You
will need to approach the Head of Department to organise this. Either help for a whole week at
lunch times or after school, or on five separate occasions throughout the year
‘Grow It’!
Grow a vegetable, fruit or flower
Bring in photos of its development to show your form and form tutor
‘A Day in the Life’
Choose an inspiring woman (alive today or from the past). Research this person and find out about
their life and achievements. Write a diary ‘A Day in the Life’ (minimum 500 words)
‘Cook it’!
Cook a main course for a friend or family members. Photograph your dish and ask whoever ate it to
write and sign a short review
‘Culture Vulture’
Attend an activity or event to widen your knowledge of either British or an International culture
Provide evidence by way of a photograph, a diary or a written review
CHARITY NEWS HARVEST THANKS Once a big thank you to all our students, parents & carers for your generous contributions to our Harvest boxes and
bags. We delivered the gifts to elderly citizens in the community: to long standing connections in an MHS sheltered
housing scheme and also, for the first time to individuals in with wider community via the Women’s Royal Voluntary
Service based in Chatham.
All your contributions are always welcomed and it was lovely to see so many familiar smiling faces at the sheltered
housing.
SHOEBOXES We are once again looking forward to filling Shoeboxes for distribution to needy families across Europe. In the past
we have as a school, contributed over 200 boxes that are collected by Blythswood Charity in November to reach
their destinations in time for Christmas. If you are helping your daughter (or indeed now sixth form son!) in looking
for items for their form’s box then please remember that some items are not allowed by customs:
These include:
Chocolate or other food items other than packets of sweets (no individual sweets or lollies please)
Aerosols
Scissors (unless part of a sewing set or blunt paper cutting type)
No second hand items
However there are a vast array of gifts that you can include so please check with your daughter/son who will know
which age group they are collecting for. I am sure you and they will find this a fun and rewarding experience.
Thank you again for your support in helping our students to be charitable toward others. If you would like to know
more about the appeal please go to www.shoeboxappeal.org.
Many thanks
Mrs Bailey
Fort Pi Grammar School, Fort Pi Hill, Chatham, Kent ME4 6TJ Page 9 The Cannon OCTOBER 2014 GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS At the beginning of September this year, before we came back to school, I completed four days
of work experience in the House of Commons with my local MP, Tracey Crouch. Commuting
into London everyday was a new experience for me, and not one I’d like to repeat! The coach
took over 2 hours every day, and I had to get up really early to ensure I was in London on time.
My first day of work experience was September 1st – the first day back for all of the MPs after
recess. As one of Tracey’s colleagues said, it was ‘like the parents coming back after a six week
party,’ although I’m fairly sure they were joking! I imagine it was a similar feeling for the MPs as
students have after going back to school after the summer holidays!
Most days I was helping with general office work such as sending letters to constituents, doing
research, and making phone calls. I also got to look over the daily Hansard, which is basically a
complete script of everything that was said in Parliament the day before. This enables MPs to
look for specific topic areas they are interested in, for example animal welfare, without having to
attend each of the debates, which would take up a lot of their time. All of this information then
had to be collated into a ‘weekend pack’ which Tracey would read when she got back to her
constituency at the weekend.
On Monday I was able to sit in the viewing area of the Commons and watch a debate on patient
waiting times as well as other health issues. After this debate, David Cameron came in to
address the Commons in his first speech after recess. This mainly involved talking about the
problems which are still on going in the Middle East. It was very surreal to be in the same room
as the Prime Minister, but unfortunately, I couldn’t stay for the whole of his speech and debate
with Ed Miliband as I had to catch the coach before rush hour, otherwise it would have taken me
a ridiculous amount of time to get home!
On Wednesday I watched Prime Minister’s Questions live from Tracey’s office. Afterwards
I went to watch a debate in one of the committee rooms regarding adult learning. MPs stood up
and gave their views and ideas on the subject, and then the minister and shadow minister for
the relevant department summarised the key points and what they wanted to be done. It was
interesting to see the politicians tear each other’s ideas apart and get rather snarky with each
other!
My four days in the Commons were fascinating and I had a great time. It was a very different
experience, and I’m glad to have had the opportunity to work with my local MP. If anyone
studying politics would like to try and do similar work experience, the best way to do it is to email
your local MP and ask – most of them are willing to accept people for work experience. It’s
brilliant experience if you are hoping to study Politics at a higher level. I would definitely
recommend it!
Phoebe Benavente, year 13
Fort Pi Grammar School, Fort Pi Hill, Chatham, Kent ME4 6TJ Page 10 The Cannon OCTOBER 2014 GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS cont’d On Monday 15th September, the AS Government and Politics class took a trip to London to visit the
Houses of Parliament, in order to get a further insight on what we were learning in class.
The day started off with a trip to Downing Street. We stopped and talked to a police officer guarding the
gates. He filled us in on a normal day at work and told us fascinating stories about his previous
experiences and by the sound of it, no day is a dull day on duty in London.
Our next stop was the Houses of Parliament. We walked into the Central Office and we stood there in
awe. The ceiling was amazing, breath-taking in fact, so beautifully designed. We then met up with our
tour guide for the day – Matthew.
During the tour, we were able to step into the life of an MP; what they do first thing when they arrive at
Parliament, the required etiquette, and what acting and speaking on behalf of your constituency was like.
The most exciting part of the tour was seeing the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The first
thing that I noticed during the tour was the high level of security there. In each chamber, there was a
minimum of two guards. We were told that we were not allowed to sit down in the seats in the chamber.
If we were to do so, then it would result in being escorted out of the chamber.
Matthew provided us with lots of information about how debates are run, what part was for what function,
who sat where and the role of different personnel. For example, I learnt that the role of the “Speaker”
was to ensure all MPs follow ‘house rules’ and to keep things in order. I also learnt what various features
represented. For example, in the House of Commons, there were many little shields on the walls.
Matthew told us that these were in memory of those serving MPs who died in different wars throughout
time.
The House of Lords proved to be a big hit with the students on the tour. We learnt that the monarch was
not allowed to enter the House of Commons under any circumstances; the only chamber she was
allowed in was the House of Lords. In the House of Lords we saw where she sat. I remember many of
our first impressions - lots of gasps. The throne was so beautiful! Very big! Matthew told us that the
throne was made out of pure Gold. There were even gates guarding it!
Towards the end of the trip, we were lucky enough to have a meeting with the MP for Rochester and
Strood, Mark Reckless*. During the encounter, Mark told us about what being an MP was like and the
responsibilities involved. We got the chance to ask him any questions we had. We also got to bring up
any current concerns about the constituency with Mark. For example, one student brought up the matter
of youth public transport, that people of our age have to pay very hefty prices to use the local bus
service, and that the same age category in London does not pay at all. Mark told us that this matter is in
the process of being changed in the near future.
We all found the experience very beneficial. We learnt new things, talked to different people, and saw
new attractions. I think going to see the Houses of Parliament gave us the opportunity to grasp different
things that we might not have done in class reading a textbook, and now we all can use what we’ve
learnt in the examinations in May.
Hannah Marsh Year 12
*Footnote: As in all things political things change and of course Mark Reckless is no longer a member of the
present government.
Fort Pi Grammar School, Fort Pi Hill, Chatham, Kent ME4 6TJ Page 11 The Cannon OCTOBER 2014 QUIZ AND BAND NIGHT – FRIDAY 10TH OCTOBER The corridors of Fort Pitt resounded with music from ‘Milly Mae’, a talented young band brought to us by
Mr Shephard on drums, and the Hall was then filled with lots of scratching of heads, as students, staff,
parents and friends of the school tried their best to answer Mrs Gordon’s challenging quiz questions.
26 teams entered the quiz, so the competition was stiff, with some determined to try to beat Mrs Spring
and her super team who won the last quiz in May 2014. The winners were a team called ‘The Pitts’,
consisting of Mr and Mrs Wilson, Mr and Mrs Commons and Mr and Mrs Martin. Mrs Spring’s team made
second place and a student team from
Year 12, ‘The Quizrables’ managed to
claim joint 3rd place. We were also
delighted to welcome 2 teams of
students from Robert Napier. Well done
to everyone who participated!
There was also a tremendous raffle, with
dozens of exciting prizes. The whole
event raised £615.40
The event was arranged to raise
money to help Fort Pitt and Robert
Napier students visiting Finland on a
school exchange in 2015, not least
because it tends to be an expensive
place to visit. Our students will be
staying with their Finnish counterparts
for 6 days and then entertaining our
guests here in May 2015.
Excitingly we have more visitors coming here than we expected, and we would be very grateful
for any offers of bed and breakfast accommodation for one or two 16/17 year old male or female
students for 3 nights 1-3 May, 2015. (Please let Miss Hillman or Mrs Gordon know if you can help)
Fort Pi Grammar School, Fort Pi Hill, Chatham, Kent ME4 6TJ Page 12 The Cannon OCTOBER 2014 SCHOOL TRIPS Fort Pi Grammar School runs a number of school visits, both day and residen al. We try to make sure that all students are able to access and experience these opportuni es. If a student of Excep onal Ability and Ap tude wishes to become involved in an enrichment or extension ac vity (par cularly one ‘off‐site’) she/he is able to apply for a small bursary (usually no more than £50). The criteria and applica on form are available on our website, or through the school office. In addi on, if, as a family, you are in a posi on of severe financial hardship and/or in receipt of free school meals and would like your daughter/son to be able to par cipate in any trip or ac vity offered by the school (organised to support academic study or an extra‐curricular ac vity) but feel you cannot afford the total cost, please contact the school as soon as possible. There is financial support available to ensure that no‐one misses an opportunity from which she/he will benefit. Please do not let your daughter/son ‘miss out’. Such requests will be dealt with sensi vely and confiden ally. Fort Pi Grammar School, Fort Pi Hill, Chatham, Kent ME4 6TJ Page 13 The Cannon OCTOBER 2014 Fort Pitt Grammar School
2014-15
ICT Workshops for Parents
Sessions led by
Miss Potter and Mrs Gordon
13thth November 0900-1100 Introduction to Word 20thth November 0900-1100 Computing
(suggested
(suggested for
for Parents
Parents of
of Yr
Yr 7/8
7/8 and
and
Junior
Junior School)
School) 27thth November 0900-1100 Introduction to
Power Point Easy Publisher nd
22nd
January 0900-1100 12thth February 0900-1100 First Steps to Excel Please book your place for the ICT workshops with Mrs Payne, email:
spayne@fortpitt.medway.sch.uk or telephone her on 01634 842359.
Let us know if you wish to bring your own device, otherwise a laptop will be provided.
Fort Pi Grammar School, Fort Pi Hill, Chatham, Kent ME4 6TJ Page 14 The Cannon OCTOBER 2014 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Friday 24 October End of Term 1 Monday 10 November Start of Term 2 Wednesday 12 November 6th Form Study Skills Day Thursday 13 November 3.45—6.45pm— Year 10 Parents’ Evening 13—14 November Year 11 Art, Graphics and Tex le Mock Exams Monday 17 November Wednesday 19 November — Friday 21 November Monday 24 November Thursday 27 November Monday 1 December Thursday 4 December — Saturday 6 December Thursday 11 December 7pm— Christmas Concert Friday 19 December End of Term 2 Monday 5 January Start of Term 3 AS & A2 ICT Study Day, University of London A2 Chemistry Prac cal Assessment Day AS Geography Field Trip Year 11 Mocks Week 1 7pm ‐ GCSE Presenta on Evening (Year 12 students and parents) Year 11 Mocks Week 2 German Christmas Market visit Fort Pi Grammar School, Fort Pi Hill, Chatham, Kent ME4 6TJ Page 15