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A BUSY WEEK

This week has once again been very full, with a huge number of activities taking place. On Tuesday and Thursday nights we held our school drama production "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", which involved a great number of pupils. The show was a huge success - so much so that we put on an extra "matinée" performance to local primaries on Wednesday!

It has also been our One World Week and a vast range of activities to promote greater understanding of global citizenship took place. These included experiencing a Mongolian "gher" (tent), taking part in a World Trade Game, eating food in the canteen from around the world and finally welcoming 19 Dutch exchange pupils for the first time. I hope that these activities will really encourage our pupils to think and we will be submitting our bid to retain our International School status later this year.

SPECIALIST SCIENCE SCHOOL STATUS

Just before half-term I received a letter from the Department for Children, Schools and Families informing us that we have been successfully re-designated as a Specialist Science School. This is a very important achievement for pupils and staff and reflects all the hard work we have undertaken over the last four years to improve standards in science, both in school and in the wider community. This also secures significant extra funding for the school for the next two to three years, and is a key strategic milestone for us.

YEAR ELEVEN MOCK EXAMS

Year 11 mock exams will take place in the week beginning 26th November. It is therefore essential that Year 11 pupils are spending time revising at home and attending the numerous after-school revision workshops on offer. Full attendance at the exams is also vital - missing any of the mocks can really set pupils back. If you have any questions about the mock exams, please do not hesitate to contact Simon Cox, Head of Year 11 - and a reminder that our revision website offers plenty of helpful hints for parents and pupils alike.

Gemma 8JHr reporting

I was invited by my agent to audition for The Sound of Music in London. I had to practise singing `Somewhere Over the Rainbow'.

When I entered the Pineapple Studios I was very nervous. I went inside and signed in and they took me through to audition room 9. It was just an amazing sight - my dream! I sang the songs they

Gemma 8JHr reporting

I brought my best friend Rebecca to school with me. She is 11 years old and lives in New Zealand.

Hi, My name is Rebecca. I have enjoyed my day at Sweyne Park very much and everyone I met was very nice. My school at home is very different from here - there are only 300 pupils there and we don't change classes.

wanted me to sing and even though I didn't get through I felt very lucky to just have an audition.

I would like to thank Miss Watts and Mrs Chapman for all their help and support.

I wish to come back to Sweyne Park. Most of the lessons I had were very interesting. I enjoyed swimming as I have a pool in my back garden. Thank you very much, Sweyne Park School.

Simon Cox reporting

This week Paul Vickers and Louise Bolt, from Paul Robinson solicitors in Westcliff, came in to speak to the Year 11 pupils. Paul works in the Criminal Department and Louise works in Litigation. They are both very successful people.

They talked about their route from school, through college, into university and how they came to hold the position they currently do.

Both Paul and Louise then highlighted what particular skills pupils will need in the working world. They focussed on attendance, punctuality, independent thinking and interpersonal skills. These are really important in the working world and hopefully our pupils will leave Sweyne Park with these skills.

There were lots of questions at the end and we are very grateful to Paul and Louise for giving up their time and explaining the key skills that are needed in the working world.

Rachel Harris reporting

2nd round of George Cash Cup
On Tuesday 30th October we travelled to Southend High School for Girls for our cup match.

All the girls played extremely well, especially Sophie Larby, Hannah Gowland and Georgia Hellen. Abby Green scored one goal and Hannah Gowland scored her hat trick!

The final score was 7 - 4 to Southend High School.

Well done girls: an excellent game.


	Jo Hurst reporting Two full houses this week were treated to an `A' class performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ... what a splendid show it was with a stunning set!! The performance was well presented with some outstanding acting, which went hand in hand with some spectacular special effects (thanks to our fantastic technical crew!) Thanks also to our `backstage boys' who, as always, did a wonderful job. This was a high energy performance and a fabulous success for all involved. Well done & Congratulations!



Our technical crew: Scott, Miles, Martyn and in the front Andrew	Daniel, Luke, Mark, Ben, Richard ~ our `backstage boys'

MAD DOGS

By Robert Muchamore

The British underworld is controlled by gangs. When two of them start a turf war, violence explodes on to the streets. The police need information fast, and James Adams has the contacts to infiltrate the most dangerous gang of all. He works for Cherub. Cherubs are trained professionals, aged between ten and seventeen. They exist because criminals never suspect that kids are spying on them. For official purposes, these children do not exist.

The newest Cherub book, still as gripping and exciting as ever.

GENRE OF THE TERM

HORROR

Calling all HORROR fans….

It's that spooky, chilling time of year when ghosts, goblins, witches and vampires come alive…

But even when Halloween is over, these monsters are still alive and lurking between the pages of a good horror book and in your imagination…

I dare you to read a horror book choose one from the library and scare yourself silly now…