Private School News

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL CRICKET DUO SCORE UNDEFEATED CENTURIES

Bedford Modern School students and brothers, George and Harry Thurstance have reason to celebrate after they both scored undefeated centuries in the School’s cricket match away at Haileybury School on Saturday 24th April.

Year 13 student, George who joined the School in Year 4, plays for Bedford Modern School’s 1st XI Cricket Team. “”Scoring 133 not out was my highest ever score for the BMS 1st Team. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at BMS, especially the sports and would recommend other students to try all the sports available and see what suits them most,” said George.

15 year old brother, Harry, scored 100 not out and plays for the BMS U15 Cricket Team. Harry, who is in Year 10, joined the School in Year 3, and in 2008 was awarded the Tour Award for Batting whilst taking part in the School’s U13 Cricket Tour to Dublin.

Paul Woodroffe, Director of Cricket at Bedford Modern School commented, “This event is unique in my experience. George and Harry have worked really hard over the winter on their batting and hopefully this is just the start of a fantastic summer for them both.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School’s budding cricketers, Harry (left) and George (right) Thurstance

Bedford Modern School student, Matthew Wong, chosen for International Air Cadet Exchange 2010

Bedford Modern School Year 13 student Matthew Wong has been selected for this year’s International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) and shortlisted for the Sir John Thompson Memorial Sword where a Sword Award is presented to the best CCF (RAF) Cadet. “I will be attending IACE in July flying to Hong Kong and China as an Ambassador for the Air Cadet Organisation in the UK and would ultimately like to train as a fast Jet Pilot,” said Matthew.

The aim is for ambassadors from the UK Air Cadets to travel abroad to places such as Israel, Canada, New Zealand, Ghana, Turkey and Hong Kong to encourage better relations with cadets. BMS student, Matthew will be joined by cadets from other nations, so will be with Americans, French, Belgians, Germans, Australians, Singaporeans and others. Cadets will spend two weeks visiting local sights, military bases and studying aviation-related matters.

During his last five years in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Bedford Modern School, Matthew has attended various cadet camps at RAF bases both home and abroad including Rheindahlen and Ramstein in Germany and Akrotiri in Cyprus. In 2009, the RAF awarded Matthew a Sixth Form Scholarship.

Matthew, who intends to join the Royal Air Force in October, has already obtained a Distinction in his Air Cadet Leadership Course at RAFC Cranwell, in addition to completing an Officer Selection Regiment Course at RAF Honington and a Drill Instructor course at RAF Brize Norton.

“Bedford Modern School Combined Cadet Force has been very supportive throughout my time in the Corps, giving me numerous opportunities, as they do with all the cadets and I fully encourage all Year 9 students at BMS to join the Combined Cadet Force.

Steve Harvey, Contingent Commander with Bedford Modern School’s Combined Cadet Force said: “Matthew has been an exceptional CCF Air Cadet from his very first day in the Section. He has shown excellent leadership ability and taken over as senior RAF Cadet this year. He richly deserves his Sixth Form Scholarship and International Air Cadet Exchange place – both of which show the great opportunities open to all cadets within the CCF.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School Cadet Matthew Wong

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL STUDENT’S CHARITY HAIRCUT

Bedford Modern School Year 8 student Jordan Semmens recently had her cut to raise money for charity. Up until a few weeks ago, Jordan had considerably long hair before taking the drastic decision to have 22 inches cut off for charity.

“My mother saw a feature on GMTV informing viewers that hair donations were welcome by the Little Princess Trust and this made me think about having my hair cut. Having had long hair for so long, I felt ready for a change without being too drastic and settled on a shoulder-length haircut at a Toni and Guy salon in Stevenage. My hair was tied in a pony-tail before it was cut and then bagged up ready to be sent off to be made into a wig to help those suffering hair loss due to cancer treatment”, said Jordan.

Generally, hair needs to be at least ten inches long before it can be used in making a wig and around 12oz hair is required for each wig. “I think that by donating my hair in this way, it is part of an ongoing legacy as a small part of me will be going someway to helping someone else,” added Jordan.

Photo: Bedford Modern School Year 8 student Jordan Semmens who undertook a charity haircut

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL PRESENT CLASSICAL SHOWCASE – Wed. 5th May

Bedford Modern School students will be performing a Classical Showcase on Wednesday 5th May at 7.30pm in the Howard Hall. The concert will feature BMS senior school musicians performing works from the orchestral and choral repertoire including Coronation March “Crown Imperial” by William Walton, Violin Concerto by Max Bruch, Karelia Suite by Jean Sibelius and, in the second half, Gloria by Vivaldi featuring student vocal soloists. Tickets are priced at £4.00 Adults / £2.00 Concessions and can be obtained from the Bedford Modern School Box Office on 01234 332664.

Year 13 student, Rachel Cullum, is just one of the many students taking part. “I joined Bedford Modern School in Year 9 as a Music Scholar which carried the expectation of becoming heavily involved in music and being a music ambassador for the School,” said Rachel.

Having performed in numerous concerts and musical productions at BMS, Rachel now leads the School Orchestra as violinist. “I come from a musical background as my family are great lovers of music and I fell in love with the violin when I was about seven years old,” added Rachel.

Rachel will be taking part as violin soloist at the Classical Showcase on 5th May. Rachel said, “I will be playing the first two movements from the Bruch Violin Concerto. This is a very popular and well known Concerto and although it is relatively short, it combines technical difficulty with lyrical playing.

“By performing as violin soloist I will obtain great experience of playing as a soloist with an orchestra, especially at a relatively young age, alongside my peers and also under the direction of Mr John Mower, Director of Music at BMS. I think this will be a good way to end my school career,” said Rachel proudly.

Rachel is currently studying English Literature, History, Religious Studies and Music A Levels before going to Cambridge to study Archaeology and Anthropology. “Cambridge is renowned for its music at University and I am confident that music will continue to be a big part of my life.

“The Music Department at Bedford Modern School is welcoming and friendly and has given me so much support. No matter what genre or style your music is, the Department always encourages its students to achieve the best they can and this is what I have appreciated most during my time at the School,” said Rachel.

Photo: Bedford Modern School Year 13 student Rachel Cullum

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL PARENT, TRACEY SMITH, COMPETES IN LONDON MARATHON TO RAISE FUNDS FOR KEECH HOSPICE CARE

Bedford Modern School parent, Tracey Smith, will be participating in the London Marathon on Sunday 25th April in order to raise funds for Keech Hospice Care’s children’s service.
The hospice looks after children with a life-limiting illness in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes, which is a huge area to cover.

Tracey, who has two sons at Bedford Modern School, Aaron in Year 3 and Kieran in Year 7, began working for the charity two years ago by working in the Keech Hospice Care shop in Kempston. “I had an induction day at the hospice and was so impressed with the wonderful care and support they provide for patients and families all year round. I was informed that the Government provides 25% of the funding and the charity must raise the rest. This inspired me even more to try and “do my bit”, said Tracey.

Having completed two midnight walks for the charity, Tracey wanted to set herself a true challenge and raise vital funds and so the London Marathon became an ideal target. “I applied to enter the London Marathon and obtained one of the gold bond charity places for Keech Hospice Care. The charity has to buy these places, which I did not realise, and I have guaranteed to raise at least £1,500,” added Tracey.

Serious training for the London Marathon began in January for Tracey when she received the official marathon magazine together with a 13 week training guide. “Having not run since I was at school, training has been quite tough at times,” said Tracey. “Sometimes it is hard to be motivated to go out on a dark, cold evening after a day at work. I worked out a circuit of half a mile and repeated this on numerous occasions in order to build up my stamina. As the weeks progressed I found I could run 5, 10, 13, 15, 18 and finally 21 miles, before beginning my three week taper phase.”

The London Marathon is 26.2 miles long starting at Greenwich and finishing in The Mall. Bedford Modern School wishes Tracey Smith every success with the London Marathon and anyone wishing to sponsor Tracey and help raise funds for Keech Hospice Care can donate at www.justgiving.com/tracey4keech

Photo: Bedford Modern School parent Tracey Smith who will be competing in the London Marathon to raise funds for Keech Hospice Care

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL BOOK LAUNCH: “SCHOOL OF THE BLACK AND RED: A HISTORY OF BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL”

Bedford Modern School’s Old Bedford Modernian (OBM) Club editorial team (Peter Boon, Paul Middleton and Richard Wildman) are launching an updated edition of “School of the Black and Red: A History of Bedford Modern School”. First published in 1981 and written by former pupil and teacher, Andrew Underwood, the original book told the story of BMS from 1764 up to the Royal Visit in 1976.

Bedford Modern School will be launching the new publication on Thursday 22nd April in the Refectory where Michael Hall, Headmaster, members of the OBM Club editorial team, and previous Headmasters Stephen Smith and Peter Squire will also be in attendance. Former BMS pupil Dr Vaughan Southgate, President of the Linnean Society and former High Sheriff of Bedfordshire will be the guest speaker at the book launch. The Linnean Society is named after Carl Linneus (or Linnaeus) of Sweden, who was the first to classify plants scientifically. It is the world’s oldest biology society.

This exciting new edition is published in a larger format, with extra photographs, and new appendices and indexes. Additional chapters describe the period from 1977 up to the present, covering the Headships of Peter Squire and Stephen Smith. These years have seen many changes, of which the most momentous was undoubtedly the School’s move to co-education in 2003.

The publication is the third in a series published by the OBM Club, the others being The BMS We Knew: A Book of Memories 1930-1974 (2006) and Bedford 50 Years Ago: The Architecture of a County Town by the late Victor J F Farrar (2007).

“School of the Black and Red: the History of Bedford Modern School” is fully-illustrated, containing 320-pages and is available from retailers or direct from the OBM Club Secretary at Bedford Modern School. The book is priced at £18.00 paperback or £26.00 hardback (post-free in UK). Cheques should be made payable to OBM Club. Further information can be obtained from Richard Wildman, OBM Club Secretary on 01234 332543 or by email at obmclub@bedmod.co.uk

Photo: “School of the Black and Red: A History of Bedford Modern School”

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL POLITICS AND HISTORY STUDENTS VISIT WASHINGTON DC

12 Bedford Modern School Politics and History students visited Washington DC for four days over the Easter holidays. The BMS students visited key sites to do with U.S. Government and Politics and the Vietnam War.

After arriving in Washington on Wednesday 7th April, the BMS students travelled to the National Mall before walking from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial. Students were able to see the site of the Martin Luther King ‘I Have A Dream’ speech and Vietnam protests. The nearby Vietnam Memorial was very striking and the Bedford Modern School students were able to see the 56,000 names of U.S. soldiers killed in action.

On Thursday 8th April, the students visited the White House and were able to look around the interesting “Visitor Center”. The students then visited the George Washington University to meet Professor Shawn McHale, who gave a very informative talk on the Vietnam War and the state of U.S. Politics today. The students also met Dik Daso, Curator of the National Museum of American History who guided them round the ‘Price of Freedom’ exhibit and talked about how the Vietnam War material was put together for the exhibition.

A visit to the US Supreme Court was also on the itinerary with students being able to tour the building and hear a lecture in the actual courtroom where many landmark cases have been decided. The students then visited the U.S. Capital building for a view down the National Mall and to see where President’s are inaugurated. There was also an opportunity to view other sections of the National Museum of American History, particularly the original Star-Spangled Banner made during the U.S. Wars of Independence which inspired the U.S. national anthem. The next stop was Arlington National Cemetery to see various monuments to key historical figures like President Kennedy and the Tomb of the Unknowns from each war the U.S.A. has been involved in. The size and scale of the cemetery was vast and showed how each war had affected the nation.

On the final day of the U.S. tour, Bedford Modern School Politics and History students were able to tour inside the U.S. Congress and see the rotunda where Presidents lie in state and U.S. Politicians make the laws. After lunch at Union Station, the final visit was to the National Archives which house the original U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

Stuart Baker, Head of Politics at Bedford Modern School said: “The BMS students were a pleasure to be with – always enthusiastic about what they saw and keen to ask questions to U.S. citizens we met. Overall it was a very memorable trip for all those involved.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School Politics and History students on their recent visit to Washington DC

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL TEACHER CHOSEN TO HELP CELEBRATE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF TATE MODERN

Bedford Modern School’s Head of Speech and Drama, Mark Burgess, is one of three prestigious writers selected by BBC Radio 4 to help celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Tate Modern.
BBC Radio 4 has commissioned the three writers to each write a 15 minute short story inspired by some aspect of the art gallery entitled “Three Tales From Tate Modern.” “Three Tales From Tate Modern” is a Pier Production for BBC Radio 4, directed by David Blount.

Mark Burgess, who has taught at Bedford Modern School since 2004, is one of the most prolific contributors to BBC radio drama in recent years and has set his story against a backdrop of the building itself. Mark’s play is called ‘A MODERN LOVE STORY’ and will be read by Clare Corbett. The play will be recorded live in front of an audience at the Tate on Saturday 10th April and broadcast on Radio 4 in May.

Mark has also written and performed “The Man with the Golden Pen”, a superb one-man show about the life of Ian Fleming. In 2006, Mark produced a radio play entitled “From Father With Love” which examined Ian Fleming’s relationship with his only child, Caspar. The play was broadcast on the afternoon play slot on BBC Radio 4 and charted the distant relationship of Ian and Caspar. Ian adored his son and it was whilst recuperating in a London clinic that he started writing a book for Caspar; the result was “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”.

Mark also wrote “Einstein in Cromer” which dramatised a little known episode in the life of the greatest scientist of the 20th century, and starred David Suchet as Albert Einstein. Mark’s fourth play to be broadcast on Radio 4 was entitled “Sam O’Bedlam”, closely followed by “The Wrong Hero” broadcast in April 2007.

Photo: Bedford Modern School’s Head of Speech and Drama, Mark Burgess

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL YEAR 7 STUDENTS BECOME YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

Bedford Modern School Year 7 students undertake three modules during their Design and Technology course throughout the course of their academic year. The “Blister Packaging” module focuses on students creating a corporate image to market a stationery item of their choice.

As part of the research element of this module, BMS students undertook both discussion and presentation on environmentally friendly products. Students worked through the design process and produced computer generated images that formed the basis of their “Blister Packaged” marketing campaign before manufacturing the product.

On Thursday 18th March, the Year 7 students became young entrepreneurs for the day by entering into their own Dragon’s Den to present their final products to Michelle Upton, Director of Marketing and Admissions at Bedford Modern School.

After listening attentively to each student present and pitch their product, Michelle offered constructive and valuable feedback to the budding entrepreneurs. This included how much thought and creativity had gone into the design process including a number of logos featuring re-cycling and Stop Animal Testing badging. Michelle also commented on the imaginative names for some of the products and their unique selling points including:- A Monkey Keyring called “Fun-Keys!” and Tokyo Mascara – get the Tokyo lashes.

Other innovative products included a Planet Pen that was packaged diagonally to look like a rocket launching into space and Quick Cuts scissors that gave an idea of how sharp they really were. Unique selling points were also mentioned including promoting two items for £1.00 on the front of the packet and bright packaging that would attract a potential customer’s attention on a shelf in the supermarket ensuring their product stands out as opposed to rival products.

John White, Design Technology teacher, and Director of Sixth Form at BMS, said: “I have been particularly impressed with the innovative designs that this group of students have produced. They also coped extremely well with presenting their ideas, potentially a nerve-racking task!’

Photo: Rosanna Russell and Ruth Pyall with their Strawberrie Kiss and Shimmer Shadow products

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL YEAR 9 STUDENT, RYAN ISAACSON, SELECTED FOR MINI LONDON MARATHON

Bedford Modern School Year 9 student, Ryan Isaacson has been selected for his performance throughout the winter season, to represent The East of England Team in the Virgin Mini London Marathon taking place on 25th April. The Virgin Mini London Marathon is open to anyone aged between 11 and 17 years and will take place over a course three miles long, stretching from London’s Old Billingsgate to The Mall.

Ryan competed at the English Schools Cross Country Event held at Heaton Park, Greater Manchester on Saturday 20th March finishing 12th out of 329 finishers. The top ten runners have been selected to represent England and it was only four seconds and two places that separated Ryan from achieving this.

Patrick Jerram, Director of Sport at Bedford Modern School said: “I am delighted Ryan did so well at the English Schools Cross Country Event, just missing out on that elusive top ten spot and England selection by four seconds. I am sure that Ryan will continue to train hard and hopefully break into that top ten in the very near future.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School student Ryan Isaacson who has been selected for the Mini London Marathon

Young Shakespeare Company visit Bedford Modern School

Bedford Modern Junior School Year 6 pupils were delighted with the arrival of the Young Shakespeare Company at the School on Tuesday 16th March. Pupils were transfixed by the enchanting story-telling and breath-taking production of “Hamlet”, providing most pupils with their first taste of Shakespeare.

A storyteller and four Young Shakespeare Company actors performed Shakespeare’s gripping drama with full costumes and props. The fast-moving production came to life with some scenes being acted around the children, as they formed an audience to create dramatic scenes.

The Young Shakespeare Company (www.youngshakespeare.org.uk/) is one of the most well-established and respected educational theatre companies in the U.K. The company was formed in 1988 and currently performs Shakespeare to over 100,000 young people every year and is led by artistic directors Christopher Geelan and Sarah Gordon.

Pupils were able to become actively involved in the integrated production whilst also exploring motives, thoughts and feelings of the characters and having an opportunity to speak short sections of Shakespeare.

Year 6 pupil Millie Cook said: “I played the role of the Queen and had to wear a crown. It was a brilliant production and a great way of interacting with the plot.”

Sam O’Meara, another Year 6 pupil added: “The production was fun and a good way of learning about Shakespeare. I felt part of the story as the scenes were being acted around me.”

Jane Thomas, the Year 6 teacher who arranged for the Young Shakespeare Company to visit BMS said: “The Hamlet production provided us with the most amazing morning and we have all had such fun. We have laughed and we have cried. The acting and drama that we have seen will inspire the pupils to read more Shakespeare and possibly become actors themselves in the future.”

Photo: Members of the Young Shakespeare Company with some of the Bedford Modern Junior School pupils

Famous author, Robert Muchamore visits Bedford Modern School

Bedford Modern School students from Years 7 to 9 received a visit by award winning author, Robert Muchamore, on Thursday 18th March. Students from John Bunyan School and Rushmoor School were also invited to attend the session where they were able to hear Robert Muchamore speak, and had the opportunity to purchase some of his books and get them signed by the author.

Robert Muchamore is the author of the hugely popular CHERUB book series that are published in 28 countries. The CHERUB series consists of twelve books including Shadow Wave that will be published in September this year. More information can be found at www.muchamore.com

For anyone who has not read any of the CHERUB series, the CH in CHERUB stands for Charles Henderson, the man who founded the organisation. The rest can be worked out by reading the Henderson’s Boys books!

Jane Chumbley, Head of English Key Stage 4 at Bedford Modern School said: “We were delighted that Robert Muchamore was able to visit BMS. Many of our younger students are avid fans of his books and had dozens of questions about what will happen next to his fictional characters. Meeting an author and learning about the writing process was a fantastic opportunity for them.”

BMS Year 7 student Charlie Gale said: “I have read the whole CHERUB series and it was thrilling to meet Robert Muchamore today.”

Bayley Hockham, another BMS Year 7 student said: “Robert Muchamore’s books really make you want to keep reading and turning over the next page to find out what is going to happen next and I can identify with the characters.”

Bedford Modern Junior School pupils present “The Menu Bites Back”

Bedford Modern Junior School pupils from Years 3 and 4 presented “The Menu Bites Back” on Thursday 18th March in the Christopher Fry Hall at the School.

“The Menu Bites Back” was a short musical for children in which the basic theme was diversity. During the Spring Term all the pupils in Years 3 and 4 worked on songs, dance and drama and also embraced some of the School’s PSHE (Personal Social Health Education) curriculum.
The plot involved pupils representing different food groups, parading into the arena like a circus. The universal question, “What are we here for?” leads to the horrifying conclusion that, being food, they’re here to be eaten and they must find a way to defend themselves against such a fate.

Enter the Ringmaster, Bella Salmonella, Vinderlulu and Pepperoni, who each try and persuade the food that they would give them the best protection. However, the food finds its own solution: to unite in such indigestible combinations that the diners will be deterred from eating it. The diners finally capitulate and join the food in celebrating the diverse nature of life and how we must all learn to live together despite our differences.
Jane Thomas, the Year 6 teacher who produced “The Menu Bites Back” said: “We chose this particular musical because of the lively and rhythmic songs which allowed the children to sing and dance in a variety of styles from a march to the tango. The lyrics were very clever and the children had fun thinking of weird and wonderful food combinations. We hope they also learnt a little more about getting on with each other!”

Photo: Some of the characters from The Menu Bites Back

Bedford Modern School take part in Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech and Drama

Around 100 students who have their Speech and Drama lessons at Bedford Modern School took part in the annual Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech and Drama held at the Corn Exchange between 6th and 13th March 2010.

Students from all year groups were represented in 27 classes performing in front of students from other schools, parents, families, friends, teachers and, of course, an adjudicator. Regrettably, a number of experienced BMS Speech and Drama students were unable to perform due to a clash of commitments with the School’s production of West Side Story.

However, those that were able to perform did themselves, and the School, proud and are to be congratulated on their efforts. Particular mention must be made of the following who were placed either 1st, 2nd or 3rd in their particular categories:-

Duologues 9-11 Years
1st Albert Ensor-Clinch and Henry Bridge

Shakespeare Duologue (14 Years and Over)
2nd = Emily Williams and Aine Donnelly

Duologues – Any Age Competition
2nd Amy Smith and Jack Nicholls

Verse Speaking Solo (9 Years)
2nd Alexander Brand

Verse Speaking Solo (8 Years)
2nd Stephanie Radcliffe

Dramatic Solo (12-14 Years)
3rd Robert Joynes

Duologues (12-14 Years)
3rd Charles Goodman and James Berry

Photo: Year 5 pupils Albert Ensor-Clinch and Henry Bridge

OPEN DAY EVENTS AT BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL 2010

Bedford Modern School (www.bedmod.co.uk) is an independent day school for girls and boys aged 7 to 18 and combines excellent facilities, first class teaching and traditional values.

We are proud of our academic standards, our wide range of cultural and sporting opportunities and our exceptionally caring pastoral structure. We want our students to gain the confidence and academic results to stride confidently into a world where their talents will be recognised and fulfilled.

Bedford Modern School has the following Open Events planned for 2010:-

School “In Action” Day – Thursday 6th May

Small Group Tours at 9.00am, 10.00am, 2.00pm and 3.00pm
This is an opportunity to see the School “in action” during a normal school ay and tour the site whilst students are in lessons.

Junior School Information Evening – Wednesday 15th September

7.00pm prompt start (please arrive by 6.45pm)
Our Junior School Open Evening is an opportunity for parents and grandparents to find out about the Junior School, enjoy some cheese and wine and hear presentations from key staff followed by a Question and Answer session.

Whole School Open Day – Saturday 13th November

Morning Session – 10.00am to 12.00Noon
Afternoon Session – 2.00pm to 4.00pm
This is a chance for the whole family to look around our excellent facilities and meet some of the staff and students. The Headmaster, Michael Hall, will give a talk during the morning and one in the afternoon as will the Head of the Junior School, Nick Yelland. Group tours will take place throughout the morning. A crèche and face painter are also available in the Junior School.

For more information on any of these events, please contact Admissions on 01234 332500 or email admissions@bedmod.co.uk

Bedford Modern School Sixth Form students to address Mental Health Conference at Tavistock Centre, London

Bedford Modern School Year 13 students, Rebecca Pye and Cristina MacKinnon, along with Sara Akhtar and Farah Irshad from Biddenham Upper School, will be addressing 60 mental health professionals at a conference to be held at the prestigious Tavistock Health Clinic in London on Friday 12th March.

The Conference is entitled “Culture, CAMHS (Child and Mental Health Services) and Evidence-based Practice: Do They Mix?” and will explore the criteria psychologists currently utilise in their work asking “Do all cultures fall within that remit?”

Rebecca and Cristina will co-present “From Bonkers to NICE: The complexity of Youth Culture” which examines issues affecting adolescents how these relate to music. Mike Solomon, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, will then lead the discussion that follows. Mike has worked with the students in their preparation for the Conference.

Rebecca and Cristina’s presentation opens with the Dizzee Rascal song “Bonkers”. Rebecca explains: “This piece of music was chosen because it was felt relevant to some of the issues being discussed at the Conference and also because the song connects with young people and therefore has a relevant perspective for both adults and adolescents alike.”

Both Rebecca and Cristina have been studying A Level Psychology since Year 12 at Bedford Modern School. “It will be a brilliant experience to visit the Tavistock Clinic where such high calibre psychologists who have shaped society, have worked, rather than just reading about them,” said Cristina.

By taking part in the 2010 Conference both Rebecca and Cristina agree that the experience will enrich, inspire and motivate their A-level Psychology studies at BMS.

Helen Kelly, Head of Psychology at Bedford Modern School said: “This is a fabulous opportunity for Sixth Formers to deliver their thoughts to a professional audience, operating in the mental health sector. All too often, professionals are removed from the groups they claim to represent and this is a wonderful chance for collaborative work between adolescents and professionals.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School Sixth Form students Rebecca Pye and Cristina MacKinnon

Bedford Modern School students attend A2 American Politics Conference

Bedford Modern School A2 Politics students attended a revision conference on Wednesday 3rd March in London. The students heard from two notable authors and examiners, Anthony Bennett and Paul Fairclough on a variety of topics including The Presidency, Supreme Court and U.S. Political Parties.

As well as the lecture notes, students were given a free copy of a book each for revision – “U.S. Politics Update 2010″ which has the most up-to-date examples for students to use.

Stuart Baker, Head of Politics at Bedford Modern School stated: “The revision course has given a great start to BMS students’ preparations for their A2 exams in the summer and the resources they were given were superb.”

Photo: U.S. Politics Update 2010

Bedford Modern School student Ryan Isaacson to take part in English Schools’ Cross Country Championships

Over two cold and wet Wednesday afternoons in February, Bedford Modern Schools’ Cross Country team competed in the North Beds District Championships and the County Cross Country Championships.

Over both events, all of the Bedford Modern runners competed well, with one Junior girl (Samantha Prentice) and one Senior boy (Alex Robertson) together with four Junior boys (Ryan Isaacson, Henk Kroon, Lewis Marshall, Tom Boulton) qualifying for the County Championships.

However, it is Ryan Isaacson who needs to take all the plaudits for his performances’. In the North Beds event, run around Biddenham Upper School’s fields and surrounding golf course, Ryan took the lead after the second corner and never looked back. He was comfortable in the lead and was never under pressure and came home first by a large margin.

This performance was then surpassed at the County Championships, run around Ampthill Park, where Ryan had a conservative start in the downhill section of the course but soon took the lead on the first uphill section on the first lap. Once in front Ryan extended his lead with every stride and eventually won the race by approximately 400 metres making him the County Champion.

This result means that Ryan has been selected to represent the Bedfordshire & Luton County Team at the English Schools’ Cross Country Championships held at Heaton Park, Greater Manchester on Saturday 20th March. Ryan becomes the second Bedford Modern runner to achieve this feat after Amy Lodder ran in the 2009 Championships.

Patrick Jerram, Director of Sport at Bedford Modern School said, “I would like to congratulate Ryan on his recent success and wish him the very best at the English Schools’ Cross Country Championships.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School Year 9 student Ryan Isaacson

Bedford Modern School Year 5 pupils “Build a Tudor House” day

Bedford Modern Junior School Year 5 pupils took part in a Build a Tudor House workshop on Tuesday 2nd March. The workshop ran from 9.00am until 3.30pm in the Christopher Fry Hall at the School and was led by Charlie Lupton from Build a Tudor House(www.buildatudorhouse.co.uk) Materials were provided by Oakwrights, a multi-award winning company specialising in the design and construction of bespoke oak-frame houses.

Pupils were able to see history come to life with the Build a Tudor House workshop, specifically designed for Key Stage 2 History curriculum. The Year 5 pupils gained hands-on experience of building a piece of “living” history, using learning styles to solve problems as they worked as a team, enjoying themselves and learning history at the same time.

By becoming master craftsmen for the day, pupils assembled a Tudor House using 97 pieces of wood, measuring 3m x 2m. Once completed, the Tudor house was large enough for 30 children to sit inside. Part of the activities involved with the Build a Tudor House workshop included using carpenters’ marks to assemble the Tudor House from pieces of wood; making wattle panels and daubing them, tiling and thatching and shaping pegs used to pin the houses together.

Joanna Rex, Deputy Head of Bedford Modern Junior School said: “This was a wonderful opportunity to bring history alive for the children. To be given the chance to help build a Tudor House that is one third actual size was a particularly exciting prospect. Charlie Lupton was excellent!”

Charley-Ella Knights-Nizzardi, a Year 5 pupil said: “I really enjoyed building the Tudor House and using different beams that each had different names. I also liked laying the tiles and thatching. By taking part in the Tudor House workshop activities I learnt a lot about history instead of just reading about it in a book.”

Harry Beard, another Year 5 pupil added: “I used tools to strip away the wood and make pegs to keep the house together. Overall, the whole Tudor House workshop was fun and I learnt a lot about the Tudors and their lifestyle.”

Photo: Some of the Bedford Modern Junior School pupils taking part in the Build a Tudor House workshop

Bedford Modern School Easter Holiday Activity Courses

Over 750 children took part in Bedford Modern School’s Holiday Activity Courses which ran over five weeks of the School holidays last summer. Why not plan your 2010 holidays now and see what Bedford Modern School can offer your children?

Holiday Activity Courses at BMS will be running on the following dates during 2010:-

Easter
Week 1 – Tuesday 6th April to Friday 9th April
Week 2 – Monday 12th April to Friday 16th April

Summer
Week 1 – Monday 26th July to Friday 30th July
Week 2 – Monday 2nd August to Friday 6th August
Week 3 – Monday 9th August to Friday 13th August
Week 4 – Monday 16th August to Friday 20th August
Week 5 – Monday 23rd August to Friday 27th August

Whether your children want to join us for the first time or have been coming to our courses for many years, we are sure that they will have a fantastic time. The aim of Bedford Modern School Holiday Activity Courses is to ensure that all the girls and boys who attend, thoroughly enjoy themselves, make new friends and learn some new skills.

Booking for the Easter 2010 Holiday Activity Courses opened on Friday 15th January and we look forward to welcoming your children to Bedford Modern School Holiday Activity Courses this year.
For a copy of the Bedford Modern School 2010 Holiday Activity Courses brochure please contact the Holiday Activity Course Office on 01234 332667 or go to www.bedmod.co.uk
Courses include: Art & Craft, Art of Jewellery Making, Circus Skills, Cricket, Football, Eco Adventurers, Football, Photography, Roving Reporters, School of Modern Magic, Survival Adventure Skills and Youth Television amongst many others and full details and photographs can be found in the brochure.

“We have learnt some amazing magic tricks and lots of card tricks on the School of Modern Magic Course” – Jessica and Sam

“I really enjoyed playing the part of Shrek on the Drama Advanced Course” – Hannah

The Circus Skills Course was great fun; I tried juggling, feather-balancing, plate-spinning and diablo” – Harry