Coolinge Lane, Folkestone, Kent CT20 3RB
Tel: 01303 251125, Fax: 01303 258084,
Website: folkestonegirls.kent.sch.uk
Newsletter - Christmas 2014
Dear Parents & Carers
We were delighted with our examination results in the summer, as we have been for the last 4-5 years.
As a result of being 3rd, 2nd & then 1st in Kent for examination performance, the numbers of girls wishing
to attend the school has soared. We now have girls travelling from Ashford, Canterbury, Deal and even
Thanet, as well as all areas of Shepway. Over 700 girls applied for one of the 180 places available for
Year 7 at the school for September 2014 and that number has increased significantly again this autumn.
This has been a busy term with many high points. There have been a huge number of trips and lots of
sporting accomplishments, as well as Art awards that you can read about in the newsletter.
There was some wonderful music at our Christmas concert last week, in which over 130 girls took part.
In the first half, the younger students were given an opportunity to perform in public and the second
half was a brilliant show case for the huge range of musical talent within the school. We all thought that
the Christmas Overture by the wind band was the grand finale, but no, the girls themselves had decided
to add in one more piece and members of the choir gave a superb and very moving rendition of the
updated version of Band Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas’. Christmas is a busy time for our musicians
who have performed at Eurotunnel and entertained the residents at Wells House, as well as providing
all the music for our Carol Concert at Holy Trinity Church.
Our assembly theme for Terms 1 & 2 has been kindness and charity and the girls have really taken this
on board. All year groups and houses have endeavoured to raise awareness and money for various
charities. This culminated in the Christmas Fair on Monday which was a great success.
At our Senior Prize Giving, on Wednesday 17 December, we celebrated the fantastic public examination
results achieved by our students last summer and we all enjoyed seeing the students who left in July and
hearing about their first term at university. Krystal Miller presented the prizes. She is an old girl of the
school and was Mayor of the Borough of Merton last year; she gave an inspirational speech and
entertained us with tales of her time as mayor as well as telling us about her job in banking in the city.
We are saying goodbye to four members of staff at the end of this term. Mr Lozano, who has taught at
the school for 16 years, is taking a well-earned retirement; Mrs Keep has gained promotion and is going
to head up a larger special needs department at Homewood School in Tenterden; Mr Kelly has left us to
take up a post in engineering and Mrs Highland who is going to take up a full-time Learning Manager’s
role at The Towers School, in Ashford. We wish them all the best for the future and thank them for
everything that they have done at FSG.
We would like to wish all our students, parents and staff a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back, fully refreshed, on Monday 5 th January 2015.
Mock Examinations start on Tuesday 6th, so for those with examinations next summer you do need to
set some time aside for revision during the Christmas period - but not too much!
Mrs Tracy Luke
Principal
19 December 2014
Pg 1
ART & DESIGN
Sketchbook Competition
Three of our artistic girls won prizes at the recent Folkestone Art Society’s Gloria Godden Sketchbook
Competition, which was open to all schools in Shepway:


Georgina Rehaag won the “Best A Level Sketchbook” prize (we call them visual journals);
Magdelena Trojan won the runner up “Highly Commended” prize for her ‘A’ Level Sketchbook;
Ella Rossiter won the runner up “Highly Commended” prize for her ‘GCSE’ Sketchbook.
In addition, the presenter of the awards (Fiona Graham-Mackay) an artist in Rye, has extended an
invitation for all three to attend a day-long workshop at the Bayford Studios, Beckley, Near Rye to
extend their art experience.
Fine Art
The AS Fine Art group have really embraced the opportunity to participate in a series of four Life
Drawing sessions developing their observational drawing skills as well as their experimentation with
different media on a large scale.
Students have been keen, arriving early during their lunch break to participate and staying after school
to help clear away. They’ve really enjoyed the experience as well as producing some outstanding pieces
of work.
19 December 2014
Pg 2
HISTORY
Medicine through Time weekend
Year 10 students went on a weekend of medical miracles - exploring the scientific breakthroughs that
have contributed to improvements in public health. They visited a host of museums and historic
locations. Amongst these was the laboratory where Fleming made his Nobel-prize-winning discovery of
penicillin. Also, the Florence Nightingale Museum, where students learned about the contribution of
women to medical discoveries and viewed a fascinating exhibition on the history of plastic surgery. One
of the highlights was the Hunterian Museum of Surgery, where the group had a talk from a former
member of the Royal College of Surgeons and explored the gruesome collection of preserved animal and
body parts. During the evening, the party was treated to a meal at Planet Hollywood and a chance to see
the hit West End musical, Billy Elliott. All returned home tired but happy after a really fascinating
weekend.
Video conferencing with the National Archives
Students in KS3 and 4 were given the opportunity to take part in special history workshops hosted by
the National Archives this term. Year 8s had the chance to hotseat a British Tommy from World War One
(actually a costumed interpreter) who talked about the awful conditions in the trenches during this
historic conflict. He answered questions on the kit soldiers wore, how they stayed in touch with family
back home and the daily routines of soldiers on duty. He also taught the girls a fun, but rather cheeky
song, soldiers would have sung to keep up their spirits.
19 December 2014
Pg 3
Year 11 students took part in a document based workshop exploring what the British government might
have known about the Holocaust during WWII. In addition to looking at maps and photographs with an
expert curator, students were shown actual messages from Bletchley Park and had to use their skills of
historical analysis and deciphering to unravel the mysteries behind some of the messages.
The workshops gave the students a unique insight into topics they were studying as well as an
introduction to the world famous collection of archives kept at Kew.
PE
On Tuesday 9th December, FSG linked with the Harvey Grammar School to enter a mixed team in the
Shepway Swimming Gala. The joint team were victorious, leaving The Marsh Academy and Pent Valley in
our wake!
The picture shows Hannah Wain, with the Harvey's team captain, being presented the trophy by Lyndon
Dunsbee (Swimming Pool Manager) and Laurence Hickmott (Shepway Sports Trust).
19 December 2014
Pg 4
Netball
Y7 netballers played their first match on Tuesday 4th November travelling away to Folkestone Academy.
They played with confidence and enthusiasm winning 4-2 and 3-0 respectively. Well done to the
following players: Ciara Doyle, Kiera Little, Tiger Lily Foster-Kyte, Akriti Rai, Lauren Bailey, Holly
Hanington, Evie Reed, Lois Thorne, Akshata Tamang, Bonnie Lou Maxwell, Ella Forward, Lauren Jones,
Emily Carter, Akanksha Tamang and Lola Stone
On a bitterly cold December evening the U13 and U15 netball teams represented the school in the
Shepway and Ashford Schools Netball Tournament held at 3 Hills Sports Park. Despite the cold our U15’s
played and beat The Marsh Academy 9-0, John Wallis 4-2, The North 11-0, Folkestone Academy 6-0 and
drew against Highworth 3-3.
With 3 points for a win and one for a draw we scored 13 points, however Highworth had the same
number of points as FSG and the result was decided on goal difference! Unfortunately, Highworth had a
better goal difference of 33 to FSG’s 28 and first place went to them. Our time will come girls!
The U13’s struggled to get started and lost their first game against Highworth 5-0. However they latterly
found their form and went on to beat The Marsh Academy 6-0 and John Wallis 5-0. The girls were
through to the semi finals and went on to beat The North 2-1. In the finals against Highworth they took
an early 2-0 lead, it was nail-biting stuff. A few lapses in concentration allowed Highworth to get back
into the game and at full time they had scored two goals. In extra time Highworth fought tooth and nail
and our girls were unable to withstand the pressure. The final score was 5-2 to Highworth.
Congratulations to all who took part - U15: Charlie Rain Taylor, Jaimee Heyes, Jess Wills, Jess Helliwell,
Ellena Draper Porter, Eloise Semple and Lois Brooks; U13 - Charlotte Coyne, Georgia Hitchcock, Ellie-Lin
Christian, Jesus Ale, Amisha Gurung, Sophie McDonnell, Eve Alexander and Lily Bovingdon.
Badminton
On Thursday 4th December, our U14 and U16 teams competed in a play off match with Ashford to
determine who would go through to the Kent School Games Finals at Medway Park in the new year.
Both teams played enthusiastically and with great skill throughout.
Our U14 team of Lilian Tang, Maia Daw, Hannah McMahon and Sonia Gurung turned around the result
of last year, beating Highworth by four matches to one and will now represent the Shepway and Ashford
area in the finals.
Our U16 team played well together as a team but unfortunately lost to The John Wallace Academy four
matches to one. Congratulations to all.
Reception Fun Days
Year 9 students have had a fantastic opportunity in term 2 to lead the very first indoor Reception Fun
Day held at 3 Hills Sports Centre, organised by the Shepway Games team. Over 110 reception children
from Seabrook, All Souls, St Eanswythes and Stella Maris Primary School took part in the fun-filled
afternoon.
The activities consisted of several fun based stations to include bowling, target throwing, puzzle making
and relays. Teams of ten students from each school took part in each activity for a short time before
rotating around the circuit of events.
19 December 2014
Pg 5
The year 9 class (9X Set 3) were trained to deliver the events and set up their activities in a safe manner.
All interacted with the participants brilliantly and demonstrated some outstanding leadership skills, to
include confidence & communication. Primary staff who attended commented on our students friendly
manner, explanations and enthusiasm for their events. Well done girls, we are very proud of you!
Teambuilding afternoons
Year 7 students have had a kind welcome to the school
this term by our year 9’s who have led them through a
variety of teambuilding and leadership activities in an
afternoon’s practical session.
The activities organised by the PE Department took
place over 2 afternoons to target all year 7’s to
encourage them to get to know each other. The year
9’s (9X set 1 and 2) were trained within their PE lessons
to deliver leadership activities confidently to include the
spider’s web (a trust activity), crossing a swamp using
tyres and planks and orienteering.
Both teams of Year 9 students performed fantastically
and really took control of all the groups. The Year 7’s
seemed to enjoy the event and had a great opportunity
to socialise with different teams of students as they
rotated around each of the activities set. Thank you for
making the afternoons so enjoyable to watch!
KS3/4 Multiskills Festival
More than 110 Year 3 and 4 students from Hythe Bay, Dymchurch, Seabrook, Cheriton, St Augustine’s
and St Eanswythe’s Primary schools were invited on the 27th November to attend a Multisports Festival
organised by the PE Department.
Leaders from 8E were trained to deliver 12
simplified sporting skills to include balancing
a ball on a racquet, football dribbling, long
jump and speed stacking.
The event took place in our school gym and
in a very structured way to keep everyone
safe in such a small space.
Our leaders did exceptionally well to keep
score of all 110 students to reveal a winner.
All girls worked really well as a team and
were outstanding role models for our school.
Well done girls!
19 December 2014
Pg 6
SCIENCE
KS3 Science Club
Members of KS3 Science club put together 9 exhibits for the Science Fair on 12 th December. Staff and
students who attended were highly impressed by the level of planning that had gone into the
demonstrations. These included volcanoes, relighting candles, a fruit powered clock, a magic trick with
water, homemade lava lamps and balloons on skewers! Mrs Luke, Mrs Stubbings and Mr McKay judged
the exhibits and decided that Shanti Whittington provided the best demonstration with a multi-coloured
milk experiment- she explained the Science behind what was happening faultlessly and impressed the
judges with her knowledge. Well done to everyone who took part.
19 December 2014
Pg 7
Lab Live at the Marsh Academy
On 9th December, 90 Year 8 and 9 students went to watch the Lab Live Science show at the Marsh
Academy. The show included talks from Simon Watt on “Ugly Endangered Animals” and Suze Kundu on
material sciences. Our students answered and asked many questions throughout the show and also
volunteered to help with demonstrations. It was a fascinating morning and we look forward to taking
Year 7s on the trip next year!
Natural History Museum Trip
On the 27th November, the whole of Year 7 went on a trip to the Natural History and Science museums
in London. They explored both museums and despite two very long coach journeys, thoroughly enjoyed
the day.
19 December 2014
Pg 8
SIXTH FORM
Afterschool Cooking Session
On the 25th November, 6th form students were invited to a practical cooking session held in the canteen.
They looked into food hygiene, chopping skills and discussed how meals could be made cheaply and still
taste good. They made 3 batches of vegetable soup, which were taste tested by site staff, Mrs Luke and
Mrs Stubbings. Many thanks to the canteen staff and to the students who participated - we hope you
had a “souper” time!
19 December 2014
Pg 9
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
We have taken part in this charity campaign again this year, asking students to make up a shoe box
containing small gifts and toiletries, for the Samaritan’s Purse, to send on to orphanages for children
affected by poverty around the world.
Students were also asked to donate a small amount of money to help with the Samaritan’s distribution
costs.
We are delighted to announce that 250 shoe boxes have been donated along with over £620.00.
In the photos are some of our students, including Hannah Reinhardt (Year 8) who made a staggering 20
shoe boxes and Medhawi Limbu (Year 10) who made up 6.
19 December 2014
Pg 10
CHRISTMAS FAIR
The prize for the best stall at the Christmas Fair went to P7.
They did an amazing job decorating their stall and their cakes were professionally made and presented.
The whole standard of stalls was really high this year. There were great examples of girls selling things
they had made eg Christmas decorations, there were stalls where we could actually do something eg
paint a jar and there were lots and lots of delicious things to eat.
Many thanks to Tutors, girls and to the Student Development Leaders for organising everything.
19 December 2014
Pg 11
NOTICES
School Uniform
We would like to thank you again for your continuing support in ensuring that your daughters are in the
correct school uniform. During the winter months, we would like to emphasise how important it is that
students have appropriate warm weather clothing, especially a plain, dark coat. In addition, we would
like to remind you that students are not permitted to wear leggings at any time, only black tights, or
socks are acceptable. Similarly, students must not wear boots of any kind, except when there is snow
lying on the ground.
Bad Weather
Every winter brings the possibility of snow and ice. Extreme bad weather can cause widespread and
prolonged disruption, but we will make every effort to remain open. However, if we consider that it is
no longer safe for students or staff to be on site we will need to close. We will inform parents and
students of the situation by posting information on our website. In addition, information about school
closures can also be found on the Kent Closures website and, where possible, we will send out an
email/text alert to parents.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
The School Year 2015
Term 3 2015
Monday 5 January to Friday 13th February
February Break: Monday 16th February to Friday 20th February
th
Term 4 2015
Monday 23rd February to Wednesday 1st April
April Break: Thursday 2nd April to Friday 17th April
Term 5 2015
Monday 20 April to Friday 22nd May
Bank Holiday: Monday 4th May
May Break: Monday 25th May to Friday 29th May
th
Term 6 2015
Monday 1 June to Friday 24th July
st
Parents Evenings
15th January - Year 7
22nd January - Year 12
29th January - Year 10
5th February - Year 9
26th February - Year 11
19 December 2014
Pg 12
LIBRARY - BOOKBUZZ
This term, the whole of Year 7 were given a Bookbuzz book.
The girls were given a chance to look through the collection and order their choice of book.
They collected them during a visit to the FSG
Library.
We hope your daughter enjoys their new book
and that it encourages them to continue
reading.
Here are some comments from the girls:
Ghost Stadium by Tom Palmer - “It’s a really
good book and I enjoy Thrillers” Tahlia Baker
Geek Girl by Holly Smale - “I like the front cover because it attracts you to read it.” Ella Mousley;
“I can’t wait to read it. I have a feeling it will pull one in.” Bonnie Lou-Maxwell;
“I’m excited to read it, because I’ve heard about it through other people.” Kayleigh Brown.
Ruby Redford by Lauren Child - “It’s generous they gave us a book to read.” April Moyle & Ria Clarke;
“It’s building up with excitement and I can’t wait to read more!” Hattie Hopper.
101 Poems for Children by Emily Gravett - “I am really excited to read this, as I like poetry. I think it is
kind to give us all a free book!” Star Foss
Tiger Wars by Steve Backshall - “It’s different from any other book and different from what everybody
else chose!” Sophie Coombe
The Great Ice-Cream Heist by Ellen Caldecott - I’m excited to read it, it looks like an adventure book!”
Whale Boy by Nicola Davies - “It’s about sea and I like spending time at the beach!” Alice Hinson
19 December 2014
Pg 13
Well can you believe we are almost at the end of the calendar year? The Friends have
been busy organising quiz nights and fashion shows with plans afoot for further events.
We hosted yet another successful quiz night – a staple in the calendar of the Friends. We
have also held a second Travelling Trends Fashion Show with Autumn/Winter clothing
available.
At a recent meeting the Friends planned some forthcoming events (keep an eye out for
future details) - some of which include a Bingo/Quiz night, a Year 7/8 disco (on 24th April
2015), our annual Easter Egg Hunt etc.
I would like to thank everyone involved with the ‘Friends’ for their time, help and support.
We are a small unit of volunteers made up of parents, carers and staff and we continue to
achieve some amazing results.
We are always looking for fresh and exciting ideas to include in our core portfolio – if you
can come along and help please do so. Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday 21 st
January 2015 at 7pm in the Principal’s Office. New ‘Friends’ are always welcome.
Thank you to everyone involved and to all the parents for your continued support.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
Margaret Paterson
Chair
19 December 2014
Pg 14
Have you ever considered Teaching as a career?
Train to be a teacher at an ‘Outstanding’ School
 Are you a recent graduate looking for a rewarding career?
 Or maybe looking for a change in direction?
 Would you like to turn your degree into a teaching qualification?
School Direct Placements are available at The Folkestone School for Girls to start in September 2015
in the following subjects:
Science, Mathematics, English, History, Computer Science, RE and Citizenship
Applicants must have a relevant degree and some experience of working with children in a school or
non-school environment.
Interviews will commence in January 2015
You may be eligible for a Bursary up to £20,000* or a Scholarship up to £25,000* to train
* conditions apply.
For further information regarding this route into teaching and the application procedure, please contact
Tina Barton either by phone: 01303 251125 or by email: [email protected]
The Folkestone School for Girls has an excellent reputation for training teachers and a long track
record of producing good and outstanding teachers.
The Folkestone School for Girls is committed to the protection and safety of its students.
Applicants should be aware that we use the Disclosure and Barring Service to assess suitability for
positions of trust. An Equal Opportunity Employer.
19 December 2014
Pg 15