ADVICE POST #1: Choosing your GCSEs

    Picking your GCSE options can be a daunting and difficult process. As Year 10s, we have relatively recently been through that experience and have now completed nearly one term of GCSEs. Therefore, we are in a good position to offer advice to current Year 9s about how to make this decision and to inform you about our experience of each GCSE subject so far.

    In this post, we take a closer look at Art, Photography, Textiles, PE, Drama and Food. Another post will be published later on this week that looks at the other possible GCSE options.

 ADVICE GIVER: Annabel Brooks, Year 10 Art Scholar

SUBJECT: Art

    As many may know, Art is a very time consuming subject as there is a lot of preparation work for each final piece and making the deadlines can often be challenging.

    However I don’t regret taking it one bit - even though my art homework takes the longest to complete, it is the homework I most look forward to doing. We get set a piece of work on one of the double lessons which is due in the same time in the following week. The type of homework you get set includes finishing a painting, doing a drawing, an essay or completing some development pages.

    I tend to do my art on the weekend so that I know I will have enough time because I am generally very busy. I’d strongly advise you to stay on top of your work because otherwise it piles up, making it more difficult to complete. Also, the more you get done in the lesson, the less work you’ll have for homework because most of the work set is finishing off classwork.

    When I heard about Art from previous GCSE students, I was put off by their complaints of the amount of time they have to spend on it. But I can honestly say, it is not as hard as it sounds - just make sure that you use your time wisely and even attend lunchtime or afterschool Art Club for extra help. But if Art is one of your strengths, do not be put off by the workload because it is manageable. My main advice would be to choose your subjects based on what you enjoy.

 

ADVICE GIVER: Georgia-Grace Samuels

SUBJECT: Photography

    I chose Photography because I wanted to learn a new skill. I recommend taking this subject  because it is really fun and is quite different from other GCSEs. The equipment you need is a camera, a laptop and a sketchbook. Although it is hard work, the sense of achievement you get when completing a project or assignment is well worth it.

ADVICE GIVER: Eloise Clarke

SUBJECT: Textiles

     I chose to do textiles at GCSE because I enjoy starting and completing projects (especially creative ones in a subject that I enjoy doing).  I also like textiles because at the end of a project you have learnt new things, gained skills and have something you have made yourself, which gives you a real sense of achievement.

   As well as making two items using the sewing machine, you must also build up a portfolio throughout the year and complete theory work. This theory side of textiles is also interesting and useful with the practical side of the subject. A typical lesson usually involves doing some work on your portfolio, but mainly learning theory and making items.

    In terms of homework, you get set work on your portfolios such as creating mood boards, drawing designs and thinking of ideas for your project. Some theory work is also set as well as practical work, such as some sewing or ironing parts of your design. Like Art, Textiles can become rather time consuming. However, if you enjoy doing it then the workload seems less and you feel that it's a good use of your time. It's always exciting to see your ideas and designs turn into something you have created.

ADVICE GIVER: Anya Jackson

SUBJECT: PE

    I chose this subject because I really enjoy taking part in the lessons and I have an interest in PE. I would definitely choose PE if you are sporty as you get graded on four sports - so if you're good then you can get very high marks. We have a double physical lesson and a double theory lesson each week. The sport we do in the physical lesson changes depending on what sport we are being graded on at that point in the year.

    The theory lesson is very structured. We fill in a new booklet every week which also includes our homework. We get set homework every week, the amount of which varies. The work is very interesting, but only if you're interested in sport. I am really enjoying PE and the workload is very manageable.

ADVICE GIVER: Meghan Ingham

SUBJECT: Drama

    I chose drama as I had really enjoyed it over the previous years and wanted to go deeper into the subject and learn more about acting and theatre in general. I also believed that I could get a respectable mark at the end of the two  years which I would be happy with, which was another factor in choosing my options.

    Drama is very entertaining and the lessons are extremely enjoyable. There is a very small and manageable amount of weekly homework, which is mainly preparation for the next lesson. There is more homework in the holidays when you have to write short essays about the work you have done in the lessons. This takes a fair amount of time but you are given a generous amount of time in which to complete it.

    I would really recommend taking drama as it is such a helpful subject for things such as public speaking, and it is so enjoyable to take part in.

ADVICE GIVER: Daniella Copeland

SUBJECT: Food

    I chose this subject because I enjoy cooking and was interested in learning about the nutrition in food. The only thing is you can get quite a lot of work and homework but as long as you don't leave it until last minute then it is easily managed. All of the practicals are great fun and it is great to be able to choose what you cook.

Make sure to check back later in the new year to 

find out more about some of the other GCSE options!

Contributed by 10A and collated by Serina Tatham, 10A's blog representative

Illustrations contributed by the VERY talented Taylor Gillin, 12L

If you would like to contribute a post or illustrations, please talk to your form blog representative. 

A Masterclass from the Ladies' World Champion

    On the 15th November, twenty-one girls from across all years of the school went to Holyport Real Tennis Club to learn about real tennis. Clare Vigrass (the Ladies' World Champion) told us how the sport started and a bit about how Henry VIII adapted the game which he played at Hampton Court. It is believed that his second wife Anne Boleyn was watching a game of real tennis when she was arrested and that Henry was playing tennis when news was brought to him of her execution.  

The equipment used in real tennis varies from that of normal tennis. 

    After this introduction, it was time for us to have a go ourselves. Clare began by teaching us how to hold the racket and she demonstrated simple forehand and backhand shots. She managed to make it look much easier than it actually was! The racket head was much smaller than that of a normal tennis racket, and the ball was different - it never bounced as high as you were expecting it to. She also taught us how to serve which is very different to the serve we were all expecting. Instead of hitting it across the court into the opposition service box, you had to hit the ball high onto one of the terraces (which looked like a roof), and then it had to land into a yellow box marked on the court. We got to play matches against each other and some prizes were awarded to the winners at the end. We really enjoyed learning about the sport and having a go ourselves, and would happily attempt to play again!

Ladies' World Champion, Clare Vigrass, showing the girls how it's done.

Written by Kate Turnball, Liv Skinner and Greta Spitzer Year 12

If you would like to contribute a post, talk to your form blog representative who will be able to notify and approve your post idea with the central team. Check out the blog's first post for more info.

BBC Radio Berkshire Broadcast: Behind the Scenes

    After winning house singing we were all elated until remembering that the prize was to speak on BBC Radio Berkshire the following Saturday morning. Although the promise of such an early start wasn’t as appealing, it was perhaps the thought of saying something ridiculous which was all the more daunting. Unfazed, however, we arrived promptly at BBC Radio Berkshire’s studio, (just outside Reading town centre) at 9.30am where we were ‘prepped’ by Mr. Alford and Mrs. Reed. It was suggested at this point by Mr. Alford that we may be asked to sing, however it seemed obvious to us that this would not be the case, as we believed they had a recording of us and would simply broadcast that - something which we had already come to terms with.

    After an anxious 30 minute wait, we were lead into the recording studio where we met Henry Kelly. It was here that our fears were affirmed as he pointed to the studio, next door, as he commented, ‘and that’s where you will be singing.’ Before we had the chance to run, Flo, Megan and I were all ushered into the first studio to answer some questions about the competition itself. Trying to be as casual as possible whilst knowing you are live and being listened to by a few thousand people was bad enough however it was only made worse by the abrupt calling we received from the studio next door who beckoned us to get ‘miked up’ for our debut. After what seemed like seconds, it was time to sing ‘On Top of the World’. Although it was terrifying we seemed to forget how many were listening and just sang it as if it was to each other and when we finished we got the big thumbs up from Mr. Alford in the studio next door.

    It was such a great feeling to have sung on live radio and it wasn’t until we listened to the recording on BBC iPlayer that it really sunk in! I know I can speak on behalf of Megan, Campion House Singing, when I say how immensely proud of the house we all were. We wouldn’t have had the opportunity without both their hard work and Mr. Alford’s and we are all looking forward to our next public appearance!

Contributed by Olivia Frankel

The Christmas Shopping Begins!

    On Tuesday the 12^th of November the school’s LAMDA teacher Miss Meekison (who is also a former Marist pupil) will be selling her handmade jewellery in the LAMDA room (opposite the downstairs drama room). This event will take place throughout small break and lunchtime with prices ranging from £3- £7. Miss Meekison is kindly going to donate a portion of the profits to the Medaille Trust, the charity that the school will be fundraising in the run up to the Christmas Holidays.

    This charity, chosen by Miss Vaughan-Neil, aims to set up safe houses for victims of human trafficking to help them recover and get back on their feet. A major part of the Trust’s work is to raise awareness of the issue and to campaign on behalf of those who are enslaved and exploited in the trafficking industry.

    Therefore, Miss Meekison's sale is a perfect opportunity to not only begin your Christmas shopping by purchasing some of her affordable and unique jewellery (as worn by Little Mix!) for family and friends, but also a great chance to support a very worthy cause.

Remember to keep thinking about how your form or year group 

can raise money for the Medaille Trust in the run up to Christmas!

Written by Tara Allsopp, Year 9

If you would like to contribute a post, please email: studentblog@themaristschools.com

Being a Police Cadet

Ellena Savage 11M tells us about her work in the Police Cadets and what she has learnt from it.

    Last month I attended the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner's talk which I found very interesting and informative. It was particularly interesting for me as a Police Cadet to see how members of the community act towards the police and its more political side.  

    I have been part of the Windsor and Maidenhead Thames Valley Volunteer Police Cadets for 18 months now and I really enjoy it. We meet for two hours a week and learn various aspects of basic policing including how to make an arrest, how to take a statement, stop and search, crowd control, arresting for driving under the influence of drink or drugs, theft, aggravated burglary, burglary and robbery. The Police Cadets also learn about the court process and the rank structure of the police. Additionally, we have had visitors from the dogs units, underwater search and rescue, forensics, anti-terrorist departments and firearms. We learn about these key aspects and then put our skills to the test in various scenarios.

    As a Police Cadet, I also do a lot of voluntary work in the community. We have helped in small events such as assisting officers in road shows where we informed the public on how to keep safe, as well as being involved in litter picks and car checks. I have also been given the chance to help marshal the Remembrance Day Armed Forces parade and State Visits, and have recently assisted with the Thames Valley Police Force Open Day. We also do fitness activities and learn drills. We go on fun days out as well which have included go-karting, ice-skating, visiting London, going to the cinema, kayaking, going a trip to see the Police helicopter at RAF Benson, and this summer went on a two day residential trip to RAF Halton.

     I joined cadets because I was interested in a career in the force, and still am, but I have found it has helped me with many other skills in life. Cadets has helped me use common sense and has taught me to think logically. It has also really helped me in public speaking and has really boosted my confidence. I have recently earned a commendation certificate for my work in the Force Open Day. I really enjoy cadets and hope to join the Police Force when I am older. 

Contributed by Ellena Savage 11M

If you would like to contribute a post, please email:  studentblog@themaristschools.com

Welcome to your blog.

    While you have been covering your exercise books in sticky back plastic, or trying to remember which colour folder is for which subject, we have been spending the first half of term preparing for the launch of this blog, for you - our fellow Marist students.

 What's it all about? 

    The blog is coordinated by two Sixth Formers and four Year 9 girls. It's a purely student blog - the idea was thought of by a student, it's run and written by students, and we hope that it will be read predominantly by students. This means that its tone is significantly more informal and relaxed than the website or the glossy newsletter, for example.

 Who writes the posts? 

    Apart from this introductory post, we don't contribute the content that will be published on the blog - that's your job. We hope that students from across all years of the school will contribute posts (500 words max.) which will make the blog representative of the whole school and interesting for all year groups. The posts will be accompanied by relevant pictures and illustrations (which you are also welcome to contribute, if writing's not your thing).

 What can a post be about? 

    School news is already covered on the website and in the termly newsletter. We want something different. Perhaps some advice for your fellow students - about how to get work experience, for example? A recommendation of a website that other students may find interesting or helpful? Your opinion about a national news story or controversial topic? You are also welcome to use the blog to publicise in-school events or clubs. We're sure that you have plenty of imaginative post ideas (or even ideas for regular features) - if you think it will be interesting for other students to read, it is very likely to make a good post.

 How can I contribute a post? 

    Email us your idea for a blog post then, once we've approved it (to make sure you're not just talking about what your cat has eaten over the past week), write it in a word document. In the meantime we can source relevant photos and/or illustrations, if necessary, from other students. When it's finished, send it to us and we will publish it on the blog.

    Additionally, after the half term break, a new form group role/position of responsibility will be introduced - the Student Blog Representative. There will be one of these in each form throughout Year 7 to Year 11, and one for each Sixth Form year. It will be their job to encourage and organise members of their form to contribute blog posts. Student Blog Representatives will be directed and supported by one member of the central team, and the role can be rotated each term or half term if necessary. There may even be rewards (quite possibly the edible sort!) if a certain number of posts from one form group are contributed over a set period of time!

    For this blog to be a success, you need to read it regularly, email us your ideas and post contributions and get involved in the comment section at the end of each post. If you manage all that, then this blog could be a really great way to interact will other students.

the blueteam

Contribute a post or idea. Ask a question. Give feedback.

Email: studentblog@themaristschools.com